“We must do it,” was the conclusion the Misses Leaf unanimously came to; even Selina; who with all her faults, had a fair share of good feeling and of that close clinging to kindred which is found in fallen households, or households whom the sacred bond of common poverty, has drawn together in a way that large, well-to-do home circles can never quite understand.

“We must not let the boy remain in debt; it would be such a disgrace to the family.”

“It is not the remaining in debt, but the incurring of it, which is the real disgrace to Ascott and the family.”

“Hush Hilary,” said Johanna, pointing to the opening door; but it was too late.

Elizabeth, coming suddenly in—­or else the ladies had been so engrossed with their conversation that they had not noticed her—­had evidently heard every word of the last sentence.  Her conscious face showed it; more especially the bright scarlet which covered both her cheeks when Miss Leaf said “Hush!” She stood, apparently irresolute as to whether she should run away again; and then her native honesty got the upper hand, and she advanced into the room.

“If you please, missis, I didn’t mean to—­but I’ve heard—­”

“What have you heard; that is, how much?”

“Just what Miss Hilary said.  Don’t be afeared.  I shan’t tell.  I never chatter about the family.  Mother told me not.”

“You owe a great deal, Elizabeth, to your good mother.  Now go away.”

“And another time.” said Miss Selina, “knock at the door.”

This was Elizabeth’s first initiation into what many a servant has to share—­the secret burden of the family.  After that day, though they did not actually confide in her, her mistresses used no effort to conceal that they had cares; that the domestic economies must, this winter, be especially studied; there must be no extra fires, no candles left burning to waste; and once a week or so, a few butterless breakfasts or meatless dinners must be partaken of cheerfully, in both parlor and kitchen.  The Misses Leaf never stinted their servant in any thing in which they did not stint themselves.

Strange to say, in spite of Miss Selina’s prophecies, the girl’s respectful conduct did not abate:  on the contrary, it seemed to increase.  The nearer she was lifted to her mistress’s level, the more her mind grew, so that she could better understand her mistresses cares, and the deeper her consciousness of the only thing which gives one human being any real authority over another—­personal character.

Therefore, though the family means were narrowed, and the family luxuries few, Elizabeth cheerfully put up with all; she even felt a sort of pride in wasting nothing and in making the best of every thing, as the others did.  Perhaps, it may be said she was an exceptional servant; and yet I would not do her class the wrong to believe so-I would rather believe that there are many such among it; many good, honest, faithful girls, who only need good mistresses unto whom to be honest and faithful, and they would be no less so than Elizabeth Hand.