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THE confusion consequent on Rachel's sudden discharge had been partly rectified up to the time of Lucy's marriage, by placing her in the nursery, and by giving Maida the double duty of housemaid and cook. Any change involving novelty and activity was pleasing to the little nursemaid, who entered on her post as locum tenens with the utmost good-will. Maida, long accustomed to hide her feelings beneath an impenetrable outward calm, exhibited neither displeasure nor satisfaction at the additional work allotted her for the next month. Her mistress's promise of ten shillings extra for the over-work put no unusual spring into her movements, nor did the extra duties abate her energy. When she had served her dinner she as quietly changed her cap and apron to go into the dining-room, as though to wait table were the express purpose of her existence. So ably and quietly did she accomplish her twofold service that Mrs. Evelyn began to think she might well continue in it.
'Really, my dear,' she said to her husband, 'I think Maida could go on as at present, and save us the bother of another Government woman; she doesn't appear to feel the work too much, nor to mind doing it.'