But would she make a satisfactory maid? Was it not a rather dangerous experiment? Why had she asked for her? She certainly had not intended to when she entered the house.
In the silence Miss Smith continued: ‚ÄúHere is a child in whom the fountains of the great deep are suddenly broken up. With peace and care she would find herself, for she is strong. But here there is no peace. Slavery of soul and body awaits her and I am powerless to protect her. She must go away. That going away may make or ruin her. She knows nothing of working for wages and she has not the servant‚Äôs humility; but she has loyalty and pluck. For one she loves there is nothing she would not do; but she cannot be driven. Or rather, if she is driven, it may rouse in her the devil incarnate. She needs not exactly affection‚ÅÝ‚Äîshe would almost resent that‚ÅÝ‚Äîbut intelligent interest and care. In return for this she will gradually learn to serve and serve loyally. Frankly, Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool, I would not have chosen you for this task of human education. Indeed, you would have been my last thought‚ÅÝ‚Äîyou seem to me‚ÅÝ‚ÄîI speak plainly‚ÅÝ‚Äîa worldly woman. Yet, perhaps‚ÅÝ‚Äîwho can tell?‚ÅÝ‚ÄîGod has especially set you to this task. At any rate, I have little choice. I am at my wits‚Äô end. Elspeth, the mother of this child, is not long dead; and here is the girl, beautiful, unprotected; and here am I, almost helpless. She is in debt to the Cresswells, and they are pressing the claim to her service. Take her if you can get her‚ÅÝ‚Äîit is, I fear, her only chance. Mind you‚ÅÝ‚Äîif you can persuade her; and that may be impossible.‚Äù
“Where is she now?”
Miss Smith glanced out at the darkening landscape, and then at her watch.
“I do not know; she’s very late. She’s given to wandering, but usually she is here before this time.”
‚ÄúI saw her in town this afternoon,‚Äù said Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool.