"I think you'll do," she said nodding, and poking up the fire,
with a shiver, although the month was June. "The situation is
a quiet one. I hope you have no followers."
"No, ma'am," said Susan and flushed crimson.
"Ha!" thought Miss Loach, "she has been in love--jilted
probably. All the better, as she won't bring any young men
about my quiet house."
"Will you not read my characters, ma'am?"
Miss Loach pushed the two papers towards the applicant. "I
judge for myself," said she calmly. "Most characters I read
are full of lies. Your looks are enough for me. Where were
you last?"
"With a Spanish lady, ma'am!"
"A Spanish lady!" Miss Loach dropped the poker she was
holding, with a clatter, and frowned so deeply that her black
eyebrows met over her high nose. "And her name?"
"Senora Gredos, ma'am!"
The eyes of the old maid glittered, and she made a clutch at
her breast as though the reply had taken away her breath.
"Why did you leave?" she asked, regaining her composure.
Susan looked uncomfortable. "I thought the house was too gay,
ma'am."
"What do you mean by that? Can any house be too gay for a
girl of your years?"
"I have been well brought up, ma'am," said Susan quietly; "and
my religious principles are dear to me. Although she is an
invalid, ma'am, Senora Gredos was very gay. Many people came
to her house and played cards, even on Sunday," added Susan
under her breath. But low as she spoke, Miss Loach heard.
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