'Oh, what a pretty cap!' said Mrs Prothero, quite astonished at the taste displayed. 'I must just run and show it to Netta—I am so much obliged to you.'
Mrs Prothero left the room and soon returned, followed by her daughter.
'Can you trim bonnets as well as make caps?' asked Netta, forgetful of infection when her personal interest was involved.
'Yes, miss, a little,' replied Gladys modestly.
'I wish you would trim mine for me to-morrow.'
'Oh, thank you, miss! If you will only let me try I shall be so grateful.'
'She does not seem like a beggar after all,' thought Netta. 'Who taught you to work so nicely?' she said aloud.
'I was apprenticed to a mantua-maker and milliner for six months, miss, and after that I worked for the neighbours.'
'How could you work for them, when they are all rags and tatters?'
'There were some farmers' wives, miss,' said Gladys, colouring slightly, 'and the clergyman's family, and the steward's—I used to work for them.'