"My character," faltered Emilia, "is well known. My dear father and I have lived in this neighborhood many years." "I do not like evasions. You know the kind of character I mean. Fitness to teach young children, capacity, willingness, experience, cheerfulness, readiness to make yourself useful in any way." "I would be willing to make myself useful, madam, to do all I was told. I think I could teach young children. Will you try me? I beg of you to do so. I am in a dreadful position; I have not a shilling in the world, and not a friend, I am afraid. Try me, madam. I will do everything you wish." "Umph! Not a shilling in the world! And not a friend! Still more discouraging, because, Miss Braham, we generally get what we deserve." "I think I deserve friends, madam," said Emilia, striving to keep back her tears, "but I have been unfortunate. I think you would be satisfied with me. I would try very, very hard." She held out her trembling hands; to a tender hearted woman the affecting appeal would have been irresistible. "A lady," said Mrs. Seaton, "has to be careful whom she takes into her home. I have six young children. What can you teach?" In timid accents Emilia went through her accomplishments. "I have only your word for it," said Mrs. Seaton. "I am telling the truth, indeed, madam." "People are so deceitful, and what is almost as bad, so, ungrateful. I'll take you on trial, Miss Braham, will you promise to teach my sweet children and do everything that is required of you?" "Yes, madam," replied Emilia, eagerly, "everything; and you will find me very grateful--indeed, indeed you will." "I will wait to convince myself of that. When can you come?" "At once, madam. To-day, if you wish. "Not to-day; to-morrow, early. Servants invariably come at night, which shows their unwillingness and the spirit in which they accept a situation. Here is my address. You understand? I take you on trial only." "Yes, madam, I understand, and I thank you with all my heart." "Of course, in these circumstances I can give you no wages for the first month. If we suit each other we will arrange terms afterward. Is that agreeable to you?" "Quite agreeable, madam. I will come to-morrow morning." "Very well; I shall expect you before twelve." That night Emilia went to bed without food; but her week's rent was paid and she left her lodgings without disgrace.