“No, sir,” she replied; “about six months.”
“Do you never keep male waiters in this establishment,” he inquired.
“Oh, yes, sir; Paudeen Gair and I generally act week about. This is my week, sir, an' he's at the plough.”
“And where have you been at service before you came here, my good girl?”
“In Sir Thomas Gourlay's, sir.”
The stranger could not prevent himself from starting.
“In Sir Thomas Gourlay's!” he exclaimed. “And pray in what capacity were you there?”
“I was own maid to Miss Gourlay, sir.”
“To Miss Gourlay! and how did you come to leave your situation with her?”
“When I find you have a right to ask, sir,” she replied, “I will tell you; but not till then.”