"
"But you are a lady, ma'am," objected Louisa, in the greatest
perplexity. "The servants at St. Crux would find you out."
"I am not at all afraid of their finding me out," said Magdalen. "I know
how to disguise myself in other people's characters more cleverly than
you suppose. Leave me to face the chances of discovery--that is my risk.
Let us talk of nothing now but what concerns _you._ Don't decide yet
whether you will, or will not, give me the help I want. Wait, and hear
first what the help is. You are quick and clever at your needle. Can you
make me the sort of gown which it is proper for a servant to wear--and
can you alter one of my best silk dresses so as to make it fit yourself
--in a week's time?"
"I think I could get them done in a week, ma'am. But why am I to wear--"
"Wait a little, and you will see. I shall give the landlady her week's
notice to-morrow. In the interval, while you are making the dresses, I
can be learning the parlor-maid's duties. When the house-servant
here has brought up the dinner, and when you and I are alone in the
room--instead of your waiting on me, as usual, I will wait on you. (I
am quite serious; don't interrupt me!) Whatever I can learn besides,
without hindering you, I will practice carefully at every opportunity.
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