"But we shall have to keep a servant," exclaimed his wife; "and servants are such a terrible trouble, and think of the worry and the expense, and——"
Poor Mrs. Joe Skinner seemed unfeignedly sorry. She began to magnify her gentle sister's perfections now she was to lose her.
"And Patience knows all my ways, and how to use the furniture polish on the chairs and table in the parlour. And—— Oh! really, Patience, I hope you will stay; especially now the boy is gone. You are welcome, I'm sure; very welcome! It was the boy made the trouble. We've gone on so pleasantly since he went."
Patience turned away to hide the tears of wounded feeling, and said no more.
As she was crossing over to Mr. Boyd's, she saw a ladylike, sweet-faced woman standing at the door of the shop.
Mr. Boyd was very busy rubbing up a chronometer, which the captain and mate of one of the small sailing vessels were bargaining for; and as it was difficult for more than three people to stand in the little shop at once, Patience paused before entering.
"I am waiting to speak to Mr. Boyd," the lady—for so she looked—said.
"I dare say he will be at liberty directly," Patience said. "It is a very small shop, and too full of goods for its size."
"Do you happen to know if Mr. Boyd has a little girl living with him? She is now just short of nine years old. She is very——"
The voice suddenly faltered, and Patience hastened to say—