“Are you wanting a general servant, ma’am?” said the girl, advancing towards Mrs. Challoner.
This was a younger woman than the last. Better looking too, despite the draggled feather which overhung her hat. There was some pertness in her voice and manner. But Lucy was not repelled by her as by the other, and was therefore brave enough to carry on some catechism on her own side.
“You have been a general servant before?”
“Yes, m’m; I’ve never been anything else.”
“Then you have plenty of experience, and know what you are undertaking?”
“I’ve been in places, m’m, since I was fifteen. I’m twenty-two now.” She looked at least four years older.
Again Mrs. Challoner stated the wages she gave, adding some rough sketch of the duties of the place.
“I am sure a reliable girl will find it comfortable,” she said. “And now—if we agree on other things—what references have you to give me?”
The rather haggard face fell; but the pert voice answered undauntedly—
“I was three months in my last place, m’m, and they’ve got nothing to say against me.”