‘If I – die before anyone – speaks to me like that, I shall miss – something that is very wonderful in life.’
Then she looked at the old-fashioned shape of her coat and the shabby gown beneath it and knew she was asking too much!
By a miracle she had been saved from drowning herself. It would be greedy to ask for more.
‘Two hundred pounds!’ she whispered to herself. ‘But suppose I am so – incompetent they will not – give it to me?’
Then she thought that, if nothing else, she would see Ridgeley Towers and undoubtedly would have a few good meals while she was there.
Perhaps, if she was polite and pleasant to Lady Barton, she might even find her a job. Even to be a housemaid would be better than nothing.
Then below she heard the drawing room door open and there was the sound of voices b
