"Perhaps some other Employment might be found less injurious to your Health," resumed the old Lady. "You seem a skilful Embroidress. That Pattern is charming; I should like to have it."
"I shall be very happy to copy it for you, Madam," said Gatty.
"Alas, Child, I could not work it if you would give it to me, unless you gave me your Eyesight too! But I'll tell you what you might do for me. You are going into the Country, you say. Probably you will there have Leisure to work on your own Account."
"Oh yes, Madam!"
"Work me a Set of Aprons, then, as your Time and Strength permit; I will Pay you for your Trouble when they are finished; but here is Something for the Muslin and Silks, which I will get you to supply."
And she put Money into her Hand.
"I think I have some prettier Patterns than this up-Stairs, Madam," cried Gatty; and she flew up-Stairs, without at all regarding the Trouble of unpacking her Box to get the Patterns, which were at the very Bottom, in order to lie flat.
"There is Something very well-spoken and obliging about her," said Mrs. Arbuthnot to me. "Is she of respectable Condition?"
"Her Father, Madam, was a Country Curate, and died, leaving a large young Family unprovided. Her Mother is a distant Relation of Lady Betty's. Gatty became Lady Betty's Maid, because no better Independence offered to her, and she wanted to assist her Mother."
"Tut! tut! This is a sad Story—Surely Something more suitable might be found."