"I mean to find a situation on board a ship," she answered.
"What situation do you expect to find?"
"I shall try to get a post as stewardess, or as an attendant upon a sick person. I cannot pay my passage out even in the steerage, therefore I must work."
"Now, Miss Armstrong," said Hardy, stroking the kitten's head on her lap, "it is impossible for me to be rude to you because I want to be, and mean to be, your friend." She looked at him swiftly, and her eyes drooped. "Do not misjudge any questions I may put to you. How much money have you got?"
"Seven pounds, twelve shillings, and—" she drew out a little purse, opened it, counted some coppers, and added, "fourpence."
"What is that money going to do for you in London?" said Hardy, after a pause of pity.
"It will support me," she answered, "until I have obtained a situation on board a ship."
"Situations for girls on board ships are very few," said he. "What part of the world do you want to sail for?"
"Anywhere, anywhere," she replied. "But it must be to some place where I can get a living."
"It would not do to sail for China," he exclaimed. "India doesn't provide much for people whose wants are yours. It must be the Great Pacific colonies. Aren't there agents and institutions which help young girls to get away across the sea? This we will inquire into when we arrive in London."