Another week passed. She had been to the hospital every day, but no one had been to inquire for a wet-nurse. Her money was reduced to a few shillings, and she tried to reconcile herself to the idea that she might do worse than to accept the harsh shelter of the workhouse. Her nature revolted against it; but she must do what was best for the child. She often asked herself how it would all end, and the more she thought, the more terrible did the future seem. Her miserable meditations were interrupted by a footstep on the stairs. It was Mrs. Jones, coming to tell her that a lady who wanted a wet-nurse had come from the hospital; and a lady entered dressed in a beautiful brown silk, and looked around the humble room, clearly shocked at its poverty. Esther, who was sitting on the bed, rose to meet the fine lady, a thin woman, with narrow temples, aquiline features, bright eyes, and a disagreeable voice. "You are the young person who wants a situation as wet-nurse?" "Yes, ma'am." "Are you married?" "No, ma'am." "Is that your first child?" "Yes, ma'am." "Ah, that's a pity. But it doesn't matter much, so long as you and your baby are healthy. Will you show it to me?" "He is asleep now, ma'am," Esther said, raising the bed-clothes; "there never was a healthier child." "Yes, he seems healthy enough. You have a good supply of milk?" "Yes, ma'am." "Fifteen shillings, and all found. Does that suit you?" "I had expected a pound a week." "It is only your first baby. Fifteen shillings is quite enough. Of course I only engage you subject to the doctor's approval. I'll ask him to call." "Very well, ma'am; I shall be glad of the place." "Then it is settled. You can come at once?" "I must arrange to put my baby out to nurse, ma'am." The lady's face clouded. But following up another train of thought, she said-- "Of course you must arrange about your baby, and I hope you'll make proper arrangements. Tell the woman in whose charge you leave it that I shall want to see it every three weeks. It will be better so," she added under her breath, "for two have died already." "This is my card," said the lady--"Mrs. Rivers, Curzon Street, Mayfair--and I shall expect you to-morrow afternoon--that is to say, if the doctor approves of you. Here is one-and-sixpence for your cab fare." "Thank you, ma'am." "I shall expect you not later than four o'clock. I hope you won't disappoint me; remember my child is waiting."