I became confused in my turn.
"I hope to prove to you," I began, in a very small voice, "that I am a
fit person to apply for your situation. I am very fond of children; I
never lose my patience with them as other people do, or think anything a
trouble; I wish to take up this work from love as well as necessity--I
mean," correcting myself, for she looked still more astonished, "that
though I am obliged to work for my living, I would rather be a nurse
than anything else."
"Will you answer a few questions?" and, as though by an afterthought,
"will you sit down?" for she had been standing to keep me company out of
deference to my superior appearance.
"I will answer any question you like to put to me, madam."
"You have never been in service you tell me in your letter. Have you
ever filled any kind of situation?"
I shook my head.
"You are quite young I should say?"
"Two and twenty last Christmas."
"I should hardly have thought you so old. Will you oblige me with your
name?"
"Merle Fenton."
A half smile crossed her beautiful mouth. It was evident that she found
the name somewhat incongruous, and then she continued a little hastily,
"If you have never filled any sort of situation, it will be somewhat
difficult to judge of your capacity.
Pages:
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55