"May I tell you why I came to-day?--Because I want advice and help, and I think you can give it, from something I heard about you yesterday." "Indeed! From whom?" "In rather a roundabout way; from Mrs. Jones, who told our maid-servant." "The same girl I met on the staircase at your bones? I beg your pardon, but I know where you live, Miss Leaf; your landlady happens to be an acquaintance of mine." "So she said: and she told our Elizabeth that you were a rich and benevolent woman, who took a great interest in helping other women; not in money"--blushing scarlet at be idea--"I don't mean that, but in procuring them work. I want work--oh! so terribly. If you only knew--" "Sit down, my dear;" for Hilary was rambling much, her voice breaking, and her eyes filling, in spite of all her self-command. Miss Balquidder--who seemed accustomed to wait upon herself--went out of the room, and returned with cake and glasses; then she took the wine from the side-board, poured some oat for herself and Hilary, and began to talk. "It is nearly my luncheon-time, and I am a great friend to regular eating and drinking. I never let any thing interfere with my own meals, or other folks' either, if I can help it. I would as soon expect that fire to keep itself up without coals, as my mind to go on working if I don't look after my body. You understand? You seem to have good health, Miss Leaf. I hope you are a prudent girl, and take care of it." "I think I do;" and Hilary smiled. "At any rate my sister does for me, and also Elizabeth." "Ah, I liked the look of that girl. If families did but know that the most useful patent of respectability they can carry about with them is their maid-servant! That is how I always judge my new acquaintances."