"A poor gift, ma'am," said she.
"Not poor at all," replied May. "How many Fairford girls have you trained for service, now?"
"Seventeen altogether, ma'am. Three are married, two died, three emigrated, and the rest are doing well in their place—all but one. One, poor thing—well, well, we don't know the end yet."
"No, indeed," said May; "and we can pray, you know. That's always a comfort, isn't it? Have you made acquaintance with your new neighbours yet?"
"I knew them both long ago, ma'am."
"I was in hopes that Mrs. Short would follow your good example, and take a girl to train."
"Martha Short will never take that much—No, ma'am, she has no girl."
"Do you find her a pleasant neighbour?"
"We don't see much of each other, ma'am."
"You knew Mr. Trulock also, didn't you say?"