"I have sent for you," said Mrs. Seaton, gazing at the young girl with pitiless eyes, "for the purpose of putting an immediate end to a disgraceful state of affairs. On the day I consented to take you upon trial, I informed you that I could give you no wages until I was satisfied that you would suit me. Is that correct?"
"You said," replied Emilia, "that you could give me none for the first month, and that, if we suited each other, you would arrange terms afterward."
"You have been here nearly seven weeks, and no terms have been arranged."
"That is true, madam."
"The fact being that we do not suit each other."
"I fear it is so."
"In which case--the basis of any terms whatever being suitability--no wages are due to you up to this date. Legally you are entitled to nothing."
"You know best, madam."
"I have allowed you to remain in my house in the hope that certain doubts I entertained would be dispelled. I regret to say they are not dispelled. However, I shall not charge you for your board and lodging."
Emilia bowed her head. Utterly inexperienced as she was, she had not the least doubt that Mrs. Seaton was putting the case fairly, and that she could really be called upon to pay for the food and shelter she had received.