“Very strict, is she?” asked Mrs. Severn.
“Oh, yes. She has to be, with two hundred girls under her care.”
“Quite so. Well, under that cloth you will find some of the articles to be repaired. Look at them and tell me what you think?”
“Oh, but I have nothing with me to work with,” said Beth. “You see, I did not know what was wanted of me.”
“Of course not. That makes no difference. I have you for the afternoon. Is two dollars for each afternoon you come, too little, my dear?”
“I should make more than that in my room, Mrs. Severn,” said Beth, quietly. “I am a rapid worker, and the girls bring me a great deal of their mending to do. I should be glad to come to you each Saturday from half-past one till half-past five for three dollars. I could not do it for less.”
“My! that seems a lot for a child to charge,” murmured the lady.
“You can try me one afternoon if you like, and decide yourself if my work—and the amount I do—is satisfactory,” the girl said, with dignity.
“Well,” chuckled the lady, suddenly, “I suppose I want your company as much as I want anything. You can talk while you work, can’t you?”
“Oh yes!” laughed Beth, her face brightening. “Conversation will not be charged for extra.”