ily as on their former topic of discussion; but they
concluded at last, and she addressed the grandfather again.

'If you're really disposed to employ yourself,' said Mrs Jarley, 'there
would be plenty for you to do in the way of helping to dust the
figures, and take the checks, and so forth. What I want your
grand-daughter for, is to point 'em out to the company; they would be
soon learnt, and she has a way with her that people wouldn't think
unpleasant, though she does come after me; for I've been always
accustomed to go round with visitors myself, which I should keep on
doing now, only that my spirits make a little ease absolutely
necessary. It's not a common offer, bear in mind,' said the lady,
rising into the tone and manner in which she was accustomed to address
her audiences; 'it's Jarley's wax-work, remember. The duty's very
light and genteel, the company particularly select, the exhibition
takes place in assembly-rooms, town-halls, large rooms at inns, or
auction galleries. There is none of your open-air wagrancy at
Jarley's, recollect; there is no tarpaulin and sawdust at Jarley's,
remember. Every expectation held out in the handbills is realised to
the utmost, and the whole forms an effect of imposing brilliancy
hitherto unrivalled in this kingdom. Remember that the price of
admission is only sixpence, and that this is an opportunity which may
never occur again!'

Descending from the sublime when she had reached this point, to the
details of common life, Mrs Jarley remarked that with reference to
salary she could pledge herself to no specific sum until she had
sufficiently tested Nell's abilities, and narrowly watched her in the
performance of her duties. But board and lodging, both for her and her
grandfather, she bound herself to provide, and she furthermore passed
her word that the board should always be good in quality, and in
quantity plentiful.

Nell and her grandfather consulted together, and while they were so
engaged, Mrs Jarley with her hands behind her walked up and down the
caravan, as she had walked after tea on the dull earth, with uncommon
dignity and self-esteem. Nor will this appear so slight a circumstance
as to be unworthy of mention, when it is remembered that the caravan
was in uneasy motion all the time, and that none but a person of great
natural stateliness and acquired grace could have forborne to stagger.

'Now, child?' cried Mrs Jarley, coming to a halt as Nell turned to