"Here we are," Miss Holcroft said, at length, as she paused before a large house that once, no doubt, had been a handsome residence. The front door stood open, and Marigold followed her aunt up the steps into a spacious hall, and from thence up a flight of broad stairs. The house that had fallen from its former glory so far as to be let in tenements to half a dozen different families was a high one, and they had to climb to the top storey to reach their destination. Then Miss Holcroft knocked at a door, and a bright, clear voice bade them—"Come in!"
They entered a large lofty room with two windows, in front of one of which was seated a girl about seventeen or eighteen years of age. Before her, on a small table, rested a cushion such as is generally used by lace-makers, and over which she had been bending at work on the delicate fabric that her fingers so deftly manufactured. She rose as her visitors entered, and leaning on her crutches crossed the room to meet them. Marigold saw her figure was thin and twisted; but her face was really beautiful, with large grey eyes and pale, delicate features.
"I have brought my little niece to make your acquaintance, Molly," Miss Holcroft said, in her pleasant voice. "You are much interested in needlework, are you not, Marigold?"
"Yes," Marigold answered, "indeed I am. May I look at what you have been doing, please?"
Colouring with pleasure, the lame girl spread before Marigold's admiring eyes about a dozen sprigs of lace similar to the piece she had on her cushion.
"They are ordered for a bridal veil," she explained.
"Oh, how lovely!" Marigold cried. "I never saw anything so beautiful before."
"They are indeed beautiful," Miss Holcroft said. "I hope you will get a good sum for these delicate roses."
"Yes, Miss Holcroft, I am pleased to say I shall. My good friend of whom I have told you, the vicar's wife at home, got this order for me direct. I am to put in my best work, and charge what I think a fair price."
Miss Holcroft nodded approvingly, for she knew how badly lace-workers are paid as a rule.