She at once made known her errand.
"Oh, no," was the response of the girl; "I couldn't possibly go. I don't see who ever thought I would."
"I was recommended to come here," replied Mrs. Harding, who liked the looks of the girl, and was determined to plead her cause with all her might. "I was told that you went out, and very likely would go now."
"Who told you so?"
"An old gentleman whom I met three or four miles back."
"With a gray limping horse?"
"Yes, I should think so."
"It must have been old Mr. Cartwright, mother; I don't see what made him think so."
"Could I not induce you to go?" asked Mrs. Harding, bringing her back to the main point, and entering very fully into the circumstances of the family. "I will give you good wages. Two dollars a week, if you say so."
"Well, I couldn't go nohow. They can't spare me."