After an interval of silence, she said: "Can you guess what I am thinking of, Fanny ?" "No, Miss." "I am asking myself a question.

If I try you in my service shall I never regret it ?" For the first time, strong emotion shook Fanny Mere.

Her voice failed her, in the effort to speak.

Iris considerately went on.
"You will take the place," she said, "of a maid who has been with me for years--a good dear creature who has only left me through ill-health.

I must not expect too much of you; I cannot hope that you will be to me what Rhoda Bennet has been." Fanny succeeded in controlling herself.