Jessie stood there for a moment like one stupefied. She tried to explain how it had happened, but her companion would not listen and walked away.
As one lost, Jessie wandered to the depot, where a policeman, noticing her distress, drew her story from her. He said he knew of a most respectable old woman who was looking for a companion and wrote her name and address on a piece of paper for Jessie. The policeman readily consented to allow her to remain in the station until morning. It was a long and weary wait and at eight o'clock Jessie went to the house to which the policeman had directed her.
A pompous footman conducted her to a spacious drawing-room, and placed a seat for her.
After a long and dreary wait which seemed hours to Jessie, though in reality it was not over twenty minutes, she heard the rustle of a woman's dress. An instant later, a little white, shrivelled hand, loaded with jewels pushed aside the satin portières, and an old lady appeared on the threshold.
Jessie rose hesitatingly from her seat with a little courtesy.
"You came in answer to my advertisement for a companion?" the little old lady began.
"Yes, madame," returned Jessie.
"Where were you in service last?"
"I have never had a position of the kind before," said Jessie, hesitatingly, "but if you would try me, madame, I would do my very best to suit you."
"Speak a little louder," said the old lady, sharply. "I am a trifle hard of hearing. Mind, just a trifle, I can not quite hear you."