I am offered a place, to wait on an invalid lady who has lately come to live in this neighbourhood.' 'Ah, yes--I have heard of her.

A Mrs.Carbury, with a very pretty niece I am told.

But, Mrs.Rolland, you left my service some time ago.
Mrs.Carbury will surely expect you to refer to the last mistress by whom you were employed.' A flash of virtuous indignation irradiated Mrs.Rolland's sunken eyes.
She coughed before she answered, as if her 'last mistress' stuck in her throat.
'I have explained to Mrs.Carbury, my lady, that the person I last served--I really cannot give her her title in your ladyship's presence!--has left England for America.

Mrs.Carbury knows that I quitted the person of my own free will, and knows why, and approves of my conduct so far.

A word from your ladyship will be amply sufficient to get me the situation.' 'Very well, Mrs.Rolland, I have no objection to be your reference, under the circumstances.