ny day, I would not ask her to come to me. But what with what we
have laid by, and this money you offer, I think we might very well
venture," and his radiant face showed the happiness the prospect
caused him.

"Very well, then. We may consider that as settled," Mrs. Conway said.
"What I want is for you to tell your Martha that she is to give notice
to leave at once, and that if she has an opportunity she is to mention
to Miss Penfold that she has a friend who is out of place at present,
and whom she is sure will suit. Of course as she will say that she is
going to leave to be married, Miss Penfold cannot be vexed with her,
as she might be otherwise, and may take her friend on her
recommendation."

"But suppose she shouldn't, ma'am," and the young carpenter's face
fell considerably at the thought, "where would Martha be then?"

"I shall pay the money, of course," Mrs. Conway said, "whether I get
the place through her or not. I should think that Miss Penfold will
very likely be glad to be saved the trouble of looking for another
servant. But, if not, I must try some other way to get the place."

"What name am I to say her friend has?"

"Let me think. Ann Sibthorpe."

"But suppose she asks about where her friend has been in service,
ma'am, and about her character?"

"We will settle that afterward. The first thing to do is for you to go
over and see her, and ask her if she is willing to leave and do this."

"I think I can answer for that, ma'am," the young carpenter said with
a quiet smile.

"Very well. Still, we had better have it settled. Will you go over
to-day and see her? and then by to-morrow Mr. Tallboys and I will have
talked the matter over and settled about the other points. Of course
you will tell her not to give notice until she has heard from you as
to what she is to say about me."

"Very well, ma'am. I will start at once."

"I can arrange about the character," Mr. Tallboys said when they were
alone. "I have a cousin in London, to whom I shall write and explain
the matter, and who will, I am sure, oblige me by writing to say that
Ann Sibthorpe is all that can be desired as a servant: steady, quiet,
industrious and capable. Well, I really congratulate you, Mrs. Conway.
At first I thought your project a hopeless one; now I think you have
every chance of success."

CHAPTER X.

ON DETACHMENT.

Ralph was soon at home in the regiment. He found his comrades a cheery
and pleasant set of men,