e thought more of an order for mourning then of a request for
employment. But the young lady, in her own plain way, went at once to
the point.

"You were accustomed at the time I was with you to have a bookkeeper,
who came regularly to make up your bills and your accounts. Have you
the same arrangement still?"

"Yes, and the same gentleman; a first-rate hand at his figures;
employed by many beside me," said Mrs. Dunn.

"Then he cannot miss one customer. Will you give the business to me on
the same terms, for the sake of old times?"

"To you, Miss Melville! it is not worth your having. It is only by his
having so many that he makes it pay, though he is as good an accountant
as any in Edinburgh."

"I might in time get a good many too. Surely women might put all their
work in the way of their own sex. I am quite competent; I convinced a
bank manager to-day that I was fit for a situation in his
establishment, but he did not like the idea of taking a young woman
amongst his clerks. You can have no objection on that score. You know I
will be quiet, careful, and methodical."

Mrs. Dunn was very sorry, but really nobody ever thought of having
young ladies to make up their books. It was not the custom of any
trade. A gentleman coming in gave confidence both to herself and to the
public; and she had no fault to find with Mr. McDonald--a most
gentlemanly man, with a wife and family, too--it would not be fair to
part with him without any cause. And, indeed, the business was not what
it used to be--it needed the most careful management to get along, and
she could not risk having a change in her establishment just at
present; perhaps by-and-by.

"While grass grows horses starve," said Jane. "If I establish a
reputation and get employment from others you could not object to me.
Everyone is alike; neither man nor woman will give me a chance.

"I cannot blame you, Mrs. Dunn, for thinking and acting so much like
other people."

"I am sure it would be better for you to take a nice comfortable
situation; but I thought you had friends. If there was any other way
that I could serve you in I would be so happy. If you had asked to be
taken into the work-room--but I suppose you look higher."

"I do not know how low I may look ere long, Mrs. Dunn. It is quite
possible I may trouble you again, but in the meantime----"

"In the meantime I want you to come into the show-room and see the new
sleeve just out from Paris--it would improve