after seeing her and making some enquiries regarding her capability, she would speak to a friend of hers, 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, when an event occurred which caused my departure from the home of the Leightons sooner than I anticipated.  On the morning of the day of which I speak, Laura was unable to get out, as she was suffering from a cold.  She was very anxious to execute some shopping that morning, and asked me if I would undertake to make her purchases, as I knew exactly what she wanted.  I gladly assented, and, as I passed the sitting-room, on my way up stairs, I heard Willie say,—­