"And doesn't forget it, eh, Hetty?"
Hetty looked rather foolish for a moment. Then she said: "Mother, do you know, I really think that the more I have to do, the less I forget. It is not while I am busy that I forget, but when I sit thinking."
"Sit idle, you mean. But I daresay you are right; it's what Matty has always said. All the same, Mrs. Goodenough's work, with carrying Miss Flo added to it, is a good deal, Hetty, for a girl of your age to undertake."
"Well, I'd like it. I like work, and I'm as strong as a pony. And—I just thought, mother, that it might be right. I do love my mistress and Miss Flo. But of course it's for you to choose."
"As to going as kitchen maid at Lady Drysdale's, I wouldn't have it at all, Hetty. It's very different from being in the nursery, like Annie. There's a swarm of men-servants, and you're young and giddy. And I don't deny that I'm glad and pleased to hear you say you love your mistress and the child you've had charge of, and that you're willing to work hard for them. As far as my leave goes, you may see what Mrs. Eyre thinks of it, just for a time. But the thing is, what will Mrs. Goodenough say?"
"She told me herself that if she was asked to move the sofa or hold the baby, she'd leave."
"For all that, she'd be very angry if you put her out. Nor you wouldn't like it done to yourself, Hetty."
"No, that's very true. What can I do? I think I might tell Mrs. Eyre something of what Mrs. Goodenough said to me, and get her to ask Mrs. Goodenough now if she will be willing to give a little help—for you know, mother, she really must, if she's to stay. The mistress is real clever, but she's not very strong."
"You might do that. But you must not be disappointed if she says she will stay. For it's one thing to talk big to you, and quite another to throw away a place where she's very comfortable. If she promises, mind now, you mustn't say another word."
"I will not indeed, mother."