Nothing would please her but that we should give her
the front bedroom and the little parlor inside this room and she is to
pay us fifteen shillings a week, to cover board and all. It's a great
lift for Tester and me, and she's a nice-spoken young lady, and pleasant
to look at, too. Oh, yes, miss---I beg your pardon, miss. I was just a
bringing of your breakfast in, miss."
The door had been opened behind Mrs. Bertram. She started and turned, as
a tall, slim girl with a head of ruddy gold hair, a rather pale, fair
face, and big bright eyes, came in.
The girl looked at Mrs. Bertram quickly and eagerly. Mrs. Bertram looked
back at her. Neither woman flinched as she gazed, only gradually over
Mrs. Bertram's face there stole a greeny-white hue.
The girl came a little nearer. Old Mrs. Tester bustled past her with the
hot breakfast.
"_You!"_ said Mrs. Bertram, when the old woman had left the room,
"you are Josephine Hart."
"I am Josephine; you know better than to call me Hart."
"Hush! that matter has been arranged between your grandfather and my
solicitor. Do you wish the bargain undone?"
"I sincerely wish it undone."
"I think you don't," said Mrs. Bertram, slowly. She laughed in a
disagreeable manner. "The old woman is coming back," she said suddenly;
"invite me into your parlor for a moment, I have a word or two to say to
you.
Pages:
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167