"I don't know why it is, but seems to me it would be a comfort to have you. Quality always could touch my heart better'n my own kind."
"You may be reckoned among that class in the next world."
She stood in the doorway, her eyes turned wistfully towards the setting sun. "I hain't thought much about that world. I know it's a mistake to live as I've done."
I wished so much I could recommend her to a better way of life; but remembering that I too was living only for this world, I could say nothing.
Pressing her hand gently I turned to leave, when I saw Esmerelda coming out of the door after me.
The rigid form I had looked at and Mrs. Blake's words had softened my heart; so I tried once more to chat pleasantly with my escort; but probably she had not got the same lesson as I, for she put on as many airs as before. When I met Mrs. Flaxman I inquired what Esmerelda's position was in the household. To my astonishment she said:
"She is the chambermaid."
"But is she a lady?"
"Every one that can dress becomingly claims that title with us; I presume Esmerelda with the rest."
"But her mother?" I left the sentence unfinished.