Part 66 (1/2)
”She knew my grandfather,” was the quiet answer. ”He is dead.”
”Lately?” said Lady Bell, glancing at the note.
Laura Treherne bent her head.
”Two months ago,” she said, sadly.
”And have you no friends with whom you could go and live?”
”None who would care to have me, or to whom I should wish to go.”
Lady Bell was silent for a moment--the girl interested her more each minute.
”Are you taking a wise step in seeking for a situation which is considered menial?” she asked.
Laura Treherne paused for a moment.
”I do not think it degradation to serve Lady Earlsley,” she said.
Lady Bell smiled, not ill pleased.
”You mean to say that you would not accept any situation?”
Laura Treherne inclined her head.
”How did you know that I wanted a maid?”
”I heard it in the house where I am lodging,” she replied.
”And you knew me?”
”Yes; I had heard of you, my lady.”
”Have you any other testimonials besides this note of Lady Challoner's?”
”None, my lady.”
Lady Bell hesitated.
”It is quite sufficient,” she said; ”but I am afraid you do not understand the duties of a lady's maid.”
”I think so, my lady. What I do not know now, I can soon learn.”
”That's true. And I see you do not wish your real name to transpire?”
”I would rather that it did not. I would rather be known by some other name,” answered Laura Treherne.
”Why?”
There was a moment's hesitation, and the dark face paled slightly.