"
"We must think of a higher than Mr. Bradshaw. I own I should be a
very coward if he knew. He is so severe, so inflexible. But after
all he sees so little of us; he never comes to tea, you know, but
is always engaged when Mrs. Bradshaw comes. I don't think he
knows of what our household consists."
"Not know Sally? Oh yes, but he does. He asked Mrs. Bradshaw one
day if she knew what wages we gave her, and said we might get a
far more efficient and younger servant for the money. And,
speaking about money, think what our expenses would be if we took
her home for the next six months."
That consideration was a puzzling one; and both sat silent and
perplexed for a time. Miss Benson was as sorrowful as her
brother, for she was becoming as anxious as he was to find it
possible that her plan could be carried out.
"There's the fifty pounds," said he, with a sigh of reluctance at
the idea.
"Yes, there's the fifty pounds," echoed his sister, with the same
sadness in her tone. "I suppose it is hers."
"I suppose it is; and, being so, we must not think who gave it to
her. It will defray her expenses. I am very sorry, but I think we
must take it."
"It would never do to apply to him under the present
circumstances," said Miss Benson, in a hesitating manner.
"No, that we won't," said her brother decisively. "If she
consents to let us take care of her, we will never let her stoop
to request anything from him, even for his child.
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