s, who was in want of a servant, and she had no doubt she
could influence her friend to engage her, should she consider her a
suitable person. Accordingly, when Mrs. O'Flaherty called, two or three
days after, Mrs. Leighton questioned her in regard to her capability as
a servant. She replied that she had had considerable experience as a
servant in genteel families, previous to her marriage in the old
country. Mrs. Leighton requested her to call again shortly, saying that
she hoped to be able to find her a situation. Mrs. Leighton further
informed her that, if the lady engaged her, it must be entirely on her
own recommendation; and that she hoped she would prove herself faithful
and trustworthy. She replied,--

"An' its mesilf that'll be afther doin' me best to plaze the leddy,
mem."

And, with many thanks, she left the house. Mrs. Leighton was much
interested by the intelligent countenance and honest, truthful manner of
the woman, and she accordingly so strongly enlisted the sympathies of
her friend, Mrs. Wallingford, that she agreed to give her a trial. Mrs.
O'Flaherty seemed very thankful when she called, soon after, and Mrs.
Leighton informed her that she had obtained a situation for her. Mrs.
Leighton also furnished her with money sufficient to purchase some
plain, but decent clothing, and a few days after she entered upon her
duties in the dwelling of Mrs. Wallingford, who afterwards frequently
remarked to Mrs. Leighton that she had much reason to thank her for
providing her with the best servant she had ever engaged.

CHAPTER XI.

EMBARRASSING INTERVIEWS.

My time passed in the usual daily routine of duties. About this time
Georgania returned to spend a few weeks at home. Though much improved in
personal appearance, she was far from being a pleasant companion. Her
manner, to me, was exceedingly haughty, almost contemptuous. She seemed
to have entirely forgotten my unwearied pains in laying the foundation
of her education. I could never understand the reason of her dislike to
me. The feeling must always have existed, though kept in check during
the time she had been my pupil. I think the rest of the family must have
noticed her unpleasant manner to me; and, I have no doubt, remonstrated
with her upon the subject. I was of a proud, sensitive nature, and the
many slights, in an indirect way, which I suffered from her roused my
indignation, and I was revolving the idea in my mind of seeking another
home,