Gratia's Trials — page 59: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

50 GRATIA’S TRIALS. hand, you'll not expect high wages?” she asked, beginning to unscrew a silver pencil-case. ‘Certainly not, ma’am,” said Gratia, humbly. ‘‘There’s Mrs, Moultrie wants a girl to assist in the chamber- work and take care of children,” said Miss Perry. ‘‘Oh, I should like that,” said Gratia ; ‘‘I am fond of chil- dren.” ‘‘7T ain’t, then,” said Miss Perry. ‘‘ You might suit Mrs. Moultrie. Mind, I don’t say for certain you wou/d—but you might. There’s no harm in trying, at all events.” ‘“T suppose she'd better go at once,” said Frances, after they had come back up stairs. ‘‘Oh, of course,” said Mrs. Homer. ‘‘ And of course you'll | have to go with her to show her the way—that’s the bother of i these country people. And, Gratia, see here—you must try and suit in this new place, for I may as well tell you first as last, I can’t keep a free hotel for every stranger that comes — along.” : Gratia inclined her head, but she could not resist the tempta- tion of flashing back a quick retort. | ‘‘We extended a different welcome to you, Mr. Homer, when you staid with us for a month at a time.” ‘¢Oh, I-dare say,” said the inhospitable matron, rather un- easily. ‘‘ But, you see, the cases aren't at all alike. People in the country have nothing to do but to entertain com- pany.” Frances Homer, evidently glad of any reasonable excuse to get out into the fresh air, walked with Gratia to Lexington ave- nue, where Mrs, Corkson Moultrie lived. Gratia glanced at the plate-glass windows, lined with the rosy folds of silken cur- tains and the fleecy fall of lace, with a sort of awe. “It looks like a palace,” she faltered. ‘‘Oh, Miss Homer, ) I am almost afraid to try.” : j aa ‘‘ Pshaw !” said Frances, ‘‘ Faint heart never won fair lady, , Gomicbooks.com —