Isel could do nothing in a hurry,—more especially if any mental process was involved.
“Well, maybe I might,” she said slowly. “Who is it, I pray you, and what are her qualifications?”
“It is the daughter of my waiting-woman, and grand-daughter of my old nurse. She is a good girl—rather shy and inexperienced, but she learns quickly. I would have taken her into my own household, but I have no room for her. I wish to find her a good place, not a poor one. Do you know of any?”
As Isel hesitated, Haimet took up the word.
“Would it please you to have her an anchorhold maid?”
“Oh, if she could obtain such a situation as that,” said Aliz eagerly, “there would be no more to wish for.”
The holiness of an anchoritess was deemed to run over upon her maid, and a young woman who wore the semi-conventual garb of those persons was safe from insult, and sure of help in time of need.
“My youngest sister goes into Saint John’s anchorhold next month,” said Haimet, “and we have not yet procured a maid for her.”
“So that is your destiny?” said Aliz, with a smile to Derette. “Well, it is a blessed calling.”
Her manner, however, added that she had no particular desire to be blessed in that fashion.