"She has," and the doctor began to laugh. "The most ridiculous thing. I
hardly remember the wording, but it has been copied and recopied, for
its wording, annoying Anna greatly, and bringing to our doors so many
unfortunate women in search of places, that my poor little sister
trembles now every time the bell rings, thinking it some fresh answer to
her advertisement."
"I've seen it," and 'Lina very unconsciously laid her hand on his arm.
"It was copied and commented upon by Prentice, and my sewing woman
actually thought of answering it, thinking the place would suit her. I
told her it was preposterous that 'A.E.R.' should want her with a
child."
"The very one to suit Anna," and the doctor laughed again. "That was one
of the requirements, or something. How was it, mother? I think we must
manage to get your sewing woman. What is her name?"
'Lina had trodden nearer dangerous ground than she meant to do, and she
veered off at once, replying to the doctor: "Oh, she would not suit at all. She's too--I hardly know what, unless I
say, lifeless, or insipid. And then, I could not spare my seamstress.
She cuts nearly all my dresses."
"She must be a treasure. I have noticed how admirably they fitted," and
old Mrs. Richards glanced again at the blue silk, half wishing that Anna
had just such a waiting maid, they could all find her so useful. "If
John succeeds, maybe Miss Worthington will bring her North," was her
mental conclusion, and then, as it was growing rather late, she very
thoughtfully excused herself, saying, "It was time old people retired;
young ones, of course, could act at their own discretion. She would not
hurry them," and hoping to see more of Miss Worthington to-morrow, she
bowed good-night, and left the doctor alone with 'Lina.
"In the name of the people, what are you sitting up for?" was 'Lina's
first remark when she went upstairs, followed by a glowing account of
what Dr. Richards had said, and the delightful time she'd had. "Only
play our cards well, and I'm sure to go home the doctor's fiancée.
Won't Ellen Tiffton stare when I tell her, mother?" and 'Lina spoke in a
low tone. "The doctor thinks I'm very rich. So do all the people here.
Lulu has told that I'm an heiress; now don't you upset it all with your
squeamishness about the truth. Nobody will ask you how much I'm worth,
so you won't be compelled to a lie direct. Just keep your tongue between
your teeth, and leave the rest to me. Will you?"
There was, as usual, a feeble remonstrance, and then the weak woman
yielded so far as promising to keep silent was concerned.