“How much are you paid extra for your politeness?” asked Tom.
“Never you mind! You needn’t call again.”
Such was the result of Tom’s first application. However, she was not discouraged. She reflected that there were a good many streets in the city, and a good many houses in each street. So she walked on, and rang the bell at the next house. She concluded to take the hint which had excited her indignation, and rang the basement bell.
“Do you want a girl to do chamber-work?” she asked.
Now it so happened that a chamber-maid was wanted here, and an order had been sent to an intelligence office for one. It was naturally supposed that Tom had come in answer to the application.
“Come in,” said the servant. “I’ll tell the missis that you are here.”
She went upstairs, and shortly reappeared.
“You’re to come up,” she said.
Tom followed her upstairs, and took a seat in the hall.
Soon a lady came downstairs, with a languid step.