The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 281: what you’re looking at

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

250 REYNOLDS’ WORKS into tears, ‘“‘ to earn bread for myself and my brother. I had intended to go again into the City presently, and inquire at some of the clothing marts for work, but a thought just now struck me, and I made up my mind to consult you on the subject. Do you think that I could possibly procure the situation of companion to some lady, or even the situation of maid, — anything, in short, that would relieve my mind from the dreadful anxiety which now fills it. It would be hard, oh, very hard, to separate from my brother. I used to feel how hard it was when, as boy and girl, we parted to go to our respective schools after the holidays. But it would be harder still to see that poor brother of mine want bread; and indeed I cannot bear the thought that day after day he runs about in weariness, seeking for employment, humbling himself to purse-proud men, and meeting rebuffs which cut him to the very soul and pierce mine also.” Christina wept; indeed for a few minutes she sobbed convulsively, Mrs. Giles saying all she possibly could to cheer and console her. “ Ah! now I think of it,’’ suddenly exclaimed the worthy woman, with joy upon her countenance, “‘ I do really believe there is an opening for you.”’ The young girl hastily wiped away her tears, and listened with eager suspense. “My daughter,” continued Mrs. Giles, “is housemaid in a nobleman’s family close by here, in the Regent’s Park. Jessy — that’s my daughter’s name, — and a good girl she is, too, though I say it — was here last evening, and she told me that her ladyship wanted a companion, some nice, genteel young person, —in a word, I am sure, Miss Ashton, that you would suit in every particular. And her ladyship is so amiable and good and kind, and his lordship is such a nice man. They have not long been married — ”’ ‘Oh, if it were possible,’’ exclaimed Christina, joy ex- panding in her heart, “ that I could obtain such a situa- tion! ”’ “T really think you will obtain it, miss,’”’ answered the landlady, ‘‘ and though I should be sorry to lose you as a lodger, I should nevertheless be well pleased to know that you were comfortably situated. ree had better go about it at once.’ “T will,’ cried the young girl, “ ali a thousand thanks Gomichbooks (E(0)