'Yes, Susy, and you take such good care of this room that I want to thank you for it,' continued William.
Here he fumbled in his pocket for a moment, and drew out half a sovereign.
'Here, my girl, is something for your trouble. Keep this for yourself.'
'Oh, I couldn't think of taking money, sir,' said the girl, drawing back. 'I couldn't indeed, sir!'
'Nonsense!' said William; 'isn't it enough?'
'Oh, it's more than enough. Miss Longworth pays me well for what I do, sir, and it's only my duty to keep things tidy.'
'Yes, Susy, that is very true; but very few of us do our duty, you know, in this world.'
'But we ought to, sir,' said the girl, in a tone of quiet reproof that made the young man smile.
'Perhaps,' said he; 'but then, you see, we are not all pretty and good, like you. I'm sorry you won't take the money. I hope you are not offended at me for offering it;' and William adjusted his eye-glass, looking his sweetest at the young person standing before him.
'Oh no, sir,' she said, 'I'm not at all offended, and I thank you very much, very much indeed, sir, and I would like to ask you a question, if you wouldn't think me too bold.'