‘She has got the work of ten horses in her, with the face of a death’s head, and the voice of a walking sepulchre!’
‘But isn’t she a thorough good creature! I can’t think what will become of me without her! It will be like parting with a friend.’
‘What would you part with her for? I thought she was the sheet-anchor.’
‘That she is; but she won’t stay where there are children. She told me so long ago, and only stayed because I begged her for the present. She will go when I am well.’
‘Better give double wages to keep her,’ said Arthur.
‘I’d do anything I could, but I’m afraid. I was quite dreading the getting about again, because I should have to lose Sarah, and to do something or other with that woman.’
‘What possessed you to keep her?’
‘I wasn’t sure about her. Your aunt recommended her, and I thought you might not like—and at first I did not know what things ought to cost, nor how long they ought to last, and that was what I did sums for. Then when I did prove it, I saw only dishonesty in the kitchen, and extravagance and mismanagement of my own.’
‘So the little goose sat and cried!’
‘I could not help it. I felt I was doing wrong; that was the terrible part; and I am glad you know the worst. I have been very weak and silly, and wasted your money sadly, and I did not know how to help it; and that was what made me so miserable. And now, dear Arthur, only say you overlook my blunders, and indeed I’ll try to do better.’