"Ordinarily," continued Mrs. Seaton, "one would expect gratitude for such kindness. I do not. Be kind enough to sign this paper."
Upon the table lay a written document which, with Emilia's signature to it, would free Mrs. Seaton from any possible liability. In the last sentence of the artfully-worded release, Emilia acknowledged that she left Mrs. Seaton's house and service of her own accord. The young girl took the pen which Mrs. Seaton held out to her, and was about to sign when the elder lady said,
"I wish you to read and understand what you are signing. I shall not put it in your power to say that I took advantage of your youth and inexperience--for that is the way you would put it, I expect."
Emilia's eyes were blurred with tears, and although she took the paper in her trembling hands, she could not read what was written thereon.
"It is perfectly correct, is it not?" asked Mrs. Seaton.
"Yes, madam," replied Emilia, faintly, glad of the opportunity of hiding her distress of mind, "if you say it is."
"Of course. You will observe that it places you in an unexpectedly favorable position. Leaving my service of your own accord will make it easier for you to obtain another situation, if such should be your desire. Wait a moment. I should like your signature to be witnessed."
She rang the bell, and a maid appeared, a new servant who had arrived only that evening.
"I rang for you, Jane, to witness Miss Braham's signature to this paper. You can write?"
"Oh, yes, ma'am."