'
'You are dealing with me,' said the lady, rising indignantly, 'as if you
were engaging a cook. I am sure we would not suit each other at all.'
'Please sit down, Lady Willow, and don't be offended. Let us talk it over
in an amicable manner, even if we come to no arrangement. I think a cook
an exceedingly important person, and I assure you I would treat one in
the most deferential manner; while with you, on the other hand, I talk in
an open and frank way, as between friend and friend. I take it that you
and I are somewhat similarly situated. We are neither of us rich, and so
we have each of us to earn the money we need in our own way. It would be
dishonest if I pretended to you that I was wealthy, and then couldn't pay
what you expected after you had done all you could for me--now, wouldn't
it? Very well, if you have anyone else to chaperon who can afford to pay
more than I can, you shouldn't bother about me at all, but secure a
richer client.'
Lady Willow remembered that this was not the season when rich clients
abounded; so she smothered her resentment, and sat down again.
'That's right,' said Jennie; 'we'll have a nice quiet talk, whatever
comes of it. Now, if you like, I could write a lovely article about you
in the _Sunday Argus_, and then all rich girls who come over here would
go direct to you.'
'Oh dear! oh dear!' cried Lady Willow, evidently inexpressibly shocked
at the idea, 'you would surely never do so cruel a thing as that? If my
friends knew I chaperoned young ladies and took money for it, I would
never be allowed to enter their doors again.
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