dark moustache, some years
older than his wife. His being slightly bald added somewhat to his
appearance of age. In reality he was not more than five and thirty. I
thought him a little cool and critical in manner, but his voice was
pleasant. He looked at me keenly as he spoke; it was my opinion at that
moment that not an article of my dress escaped his observation. I had
selected purposely a pair of mended gloves, and I am convinced the
finger ends were at once under his inspection. He was a man who thought
no details beneath him, but would bring his masculine intellect even to
the point of discovering the fitness of his children's nurse.

"Mrs. Morton tells me that you have applied for the situation of upper
nurse," he began, not abruptly, but in the quick tones of a busy man who
has scant leisure. "I have heard all you have told her; she seems
desirous of testing your abilities, but I must warn you that I distrust
theories myself. My dear," turning to his wife, "I must say that this
young person looks hardly old enough for the position, and you own she
has no real experience. Would not a more elderly person be more
suitable, considering that you are so seldom in your nursery? Of course,
this is your department, but since you ask my advice----" with a little
shrug that seemed to dismiss me and the whole subject.

A wistful, disappointed look came over his wife's face. I was too great
a stranger to understand the real position of affairs, only my intuition
guided me at that moment. It was not until much later that I found out
that Mrs. Morton never disputed her husband's will, even in trifles;
that he ordered the plan of her life as well as his own; that her
passionate love for her children was restrained in order that her wifely
and social duties should be carried out; that she was so perfectly
obedient to him, not from fear, but from an excess of womanly devotion,
that she seldom even contested an opinion. My fate was very nearly
sealed at that moment, but a hasty impulse prompted me to speak. Looking
Mr. Morton full in the face, I said, a little piteously, "Do not dismiss
me because of my youth, for that is a fault that time will mend. Want of
experience is a greater obstacle, but it will only make me more careful
to observe every direction and carry out every wish. If you consent to
try me, I am sure neither you nor Mrs. Morton will repent it."

He looked at me very keenly again as I spoke; indeed, his eyes seemed