"I know, madam, that you have influential friends in many parts of England," she said, "and it is this----" "But in what capacity do you wish to go out?" interrupted Mrs. Dewsbury. "As governess?" "I would go as _English_ governess," answered Mildred, with a stress upon the word. "But I do not understand French, and I know nothing of music or drawing: therefore I fear there is little chance for me in that capacity. I thought perhaps I might find a situation as companion; as humble companion, that is to say, to make myself useful." Mrs. Dewsbury shook her head. "Such situations are rare, Miss Arkell." "I suppose they are; too rare, perhaps, for me to find. Rather than not find anything, I would go out as lady's maid." "As lady's maid!" repeated Mrs. Dewsbury. Mildred's cheek burnt, and she suddenly thought of what the town would say. "Yes, as lady's maid, rather than not go," she repeated, firm in her resolution. "I think I have not much pride; what I have, I must subdue." "But, Miss Arkell, allow me to ask--and I have a motive in it--whether you would be capable of a lady's-maid's duties?" "I think so," replied Mildred. "I would endeavour to render myself so. I have made my own dresses and bonnets, and I used to make my mother's caps until she became a widow; and I am fond of dressing hair." Mrs. Dewsbury mused. "I think I have heard that you are well read, Miss Arkell?" "Yes, I am," replied Mildred. "I am a thoroughly good English scholar; and my father, whose taste in literature was excellent, formed mine. I could teach Latin to boys until they were ten or eleven," she added, with a half smile. "Do you read aloud _well_?" "I believe I do. I have been in the habit of reading a great deal to my mother." "Well now I will tell you the purport of my putting these questions, which I hope you have not thought impertinent," said Mrs. Dewsbury. "The last time Lady Dewsbury wrote to us--you may have heard of her, perhaps, Miss Arkell, the widow of Sir John?" Mildred did not remember to have done so. "Sir John Dewsbury was my husband's brother. But that is of no consequence. Lady Dewsbury, the widow, is an invalid; and the last time she wrote to us she mentioned in her letter that she was wishing to find some one who would act both as companion and maid. It was merely spoken of incidentally, and I do not know whether she is suited. Shall I write and inquire?" "Oh, thank you, thank you!" cried Mildred, her heart eagerly grasping at this faint prospect. "I shall not care what I do, if Lady Dewsbury will but take me." Mrs. Dewsbury smiled at the eagerness. She concluded that Mrs. Dan's death had made a difference in their income, hence the wish to go out. Mildred returned home, said nothing to anybody of what she had done, and waited, full of hope.