“I know it, but she takes out four. She claims time to eat her meals.” “Preposterous!” “Half an hour apiece, and half an hour in the morning to rest--and two in the afternoon. Anyway she is out, two hours every afternoon, riding in the electric cars!” “That don't look like a very hard job. Her day laborer doesn't get two hours off every afternoon to take excursions into the country!” “No, I know that, but he doesn't begin so early, nor stop so late. She does her square ten hours work, and I suppose one has a right to time off.” “You seem dubious about that, my dear.” “Yes, that's just where it's awkward. I'm used to girls being in all the time, excepting their day out. You see I can't leave baby, nor always take him--and it interferes with my freedom afternoons.” “Well--can't you arrange with her somehow?” “See if you can. She says she will only give ten hours of time for a dollar and a half a day--tisn't but fifteen cents an hour--I have to pay a woman twenty that comes in. And if she is to give up her chance of sunlight and fresh air she wants me to pay her extra--by the hour. Or she says, if I prefer, she would take four hours every other day--and so be at home half the time. I said it was difficult to arrange--with baby, and she was very sympathetic and nice, but she won't alter her plans.” “Let her go, and get a less exacting servant.” “But--she does her work so well! And it saves a lot, really. She knows all about marketing and things, and plans the meals so as to have things lap, and it's a comfort to have her in the house and feel so safe and sure everything will be done right.” “Well, it's your province, my dear. I don't profess to advise. But I assure you I appreciate the table, and the cleanness of everything, and the rested look in your eyes, dear girl!” She slipped her hand into his affectionately. “It does make a difference,” she said. “I _could_ get a girl for $20.00 and save nearly $2.60 a week--but you know what they are!” “I do indeed,” he admitted fervently. “It's worth the money to have this thing done so well. I think she's right about the wages. Better keep her.” “O--she'll only agree to stay six months even at this rate!” “Well--keep her six months and be thankful. I thought she was too good to last!” They looked over the offered contract again. It closed with: “This agreement to hold for six months from date if mutually satisfactory. In case of disagreement two weeks' notice is to be given on either side, or two weeks' wages if preferred by the employer.” It was dated, and signed “Miss D. C. Bell.” And with inward amusement and great display of penmanship they added “Mrs. Isabel J. Porne,” and the contract was made. CHAPTER VI. THE CYNOSURE. It's a singular thing that the commonest place Is the hardest to properly fill; That the labor imposed on a full half the race Is so seldom performed with good will-- To say nothing of knowledge or skill!