"I am very sorry to have to leave," she truthfully answered. "Mrs. Preen is about to stay for a time in Devonshire, as perhaps you know, and the little girls are to go to school. So I am no longer wanted here."
"I should consider that a subject for laughter instead of tears. You will be spared work."
"Ah, you don't know," cried Alice, her tone one of pain. "If I do not work here, I must elsewhere. And the next place I get may be harder than this."
"And you were crying at the anticipation?"
"No. I was crying at the thought of perhaps not being able speedily to find another situation. I—suppose," she timidly added, "you do not happen to know of any situation vacant, Mr. Stane?"
"Why, yes, I believe I do. And I think you will be just the right person to fill it."
Her blue eyes brightened, her whole face lighted up with eagerness.
"Oh, if you can only obtain it for me! I shall be so thankful, for mamma's sake."
"But it is not as a governess."
"Not as a governess! What then?"