dily be supposed that I have received many
tributes to the qualities that I possess. I have already exposed many of
these to the public gaze, still have some left, and it seems to me a
pity that my readers should miss any of the evidence. The first
testimonial is from my sister Casey, and a melancholy interest is
attached to it. It was the last one she wrote for me before I took the
momentous step which will be described in my last chapter:

"Marge Askinforit has been in my service for eight years. I should
not be parting with her but for the fact that I am compelled by
reasons of health to leave England. Askinforit is clean, sober,
honest, an early riser, an excellent plate-cleaner and valet, has
perfect manners and high intelligence, takes a great pride in her
work, and is most willing, obliging and industrious. She was with
me as parlour-maid (first of two), and now seeks temporary
employment in that capacity; but there is no branch of domestic
service with which she is not thoroughly well acquainted, and when
the occasion has arisen she has always been willing to undertake
any duties, and has done so with unfailing success. She is tall, of
good appearance, Church of England (or anything else that is
required), and anybody who secures such a treasure will be
exceptionally fortunate. I shall be pleased at any time to give any
further information that may be desired.

"(Mrs.) C. MORGENSTEIN."

I do not say that dear Casey's estimate had the arid accuracy of the
pedant, but she had a rich and helpful imagination. In rare moments of
depression and unhappiness I have found that by reading one of her
testimonials I can always recover my tone. And they were effective for
their purpose. By this time I was accepting no situations except with
titled people; and some of the language that I heard used suggested to
me that the reclamation of baronets during their dinner-hour might after
all be my life's work.

The next exhibit will be a letter from a famous author, a complete
stranger to me, whose work I had long known and admired:

"Dear Madam, For a long time past it has been my privilege to
express in the daily newspapers my keen and heartfelt appreciation
of a certain departmental store. I thought that I knew my work. I
believe even that it gave satisfaction. I could begin an article
with frag