Talk of
the future. I think I can help you, and do you no harm. I think you can
help me, and do me the greatest of all services in return. Wait, and you
shall hear what I mean. Suppose you were married--how much would it cost
for you and your husband to emigrate?"
Louisa mentioned the cost of a steerage passage to Australia for a man
and his wife. She spoke in low, hopeless tones. Moderate as the sum was,
it looked like unattainable wealth in her eyes.
Magdalen started in her chair, and took the girl's hand once more.
"Louisa!" she said, earnestly; "if I gave you the money, what would you
do for me in return?"
The proposal seemed to strike Louisa speechless with astonishment. She
trembled violently, and said nothing. Magdalen repeated her words.
"Oh, ma'am, do you mean it?" said the girl. "Do you really mean it?"
"Yes," replied Magdalen; "I really mean it. What would you do for me in
return?"
"Do?" repeated Louisa. "Oh what is there I would _not_ do!" She tried
to kiss her mistress's hand; but Magdalen would not permit it. She
resolutely, almost roughly, drew her hand away.
"I am laying you under no obligation," she said. "We are serving each
other--that is all.
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