"I should suppose they might do something that would not expose them to the contempt that is shown to such as are 'girls in the kitchen.' Why, even the higher servants despise them."
"Would it not be better if all were considerate enough not to contemn any one? Then there would be no danger of wounding sensibilities that are none the less acute because they are found in the breast of a servant." Mrs. Clark said this softly, and with a slight quiver, perceptible only when you looked at her.
I was sitting by the window for the sake of the light. Sarah Marshall, who was spending a week with Isabel Clark, was chatting as usual when Mrs. Clark came in with a neighbor, who was telling of the impudence of a servant who, when she was accused of falsehood, replied, "There is none of my father's family that can lie."
"Did she lie?" innocently inquired Sarah.
"No, it was found she told the truth; but then, it was her independent manner that was so offensive."
"Do you not think servants ought to have independence enough to defend themselves from an unjust accusation?" asked Mrs. Clark.
"Her saying so proved nothing; we found out the truth ourselves. If she had waited, she would not have lost her place. I am sorry for her, I am sure. If you do not want her, I do not know what will become of her. Her family are quite destitute."
"Do you not need her help?"
"Oh, yes; but, then"——
"You are satisfied of her innocence, you say; why not have her come back to you?"