“Well, ma’am, I think that, as you say, it would be doing the right thing; and I don’t deny that Martha and I have agreed to wait a year or two, till we could save up enough between us for me to start on my own account; for as long as I am a journeyman, and liable to lose my work any day, I would not ask her to come to me.  But what with what we have laid by, and this money you offer, I think we might very well venture,” and his radiant face showed the happiness the prospect caused him.

“Very well, then.  We may consider that as settled,” Mrs. Conway said.  “What I want is for you to tell your Martha that she is to give notice to leave at once, and that if she has an opportunity she is to mention to Miss Penfold that she has a friend who is out of place at present, and whom she is sure will suit.  Of course as she will say that she is going to leave to be married, Miss Penfold cannot be vexed with her, as she might be otherwise, and may take her friend on her recommendation.”

“But suppose she shouldn’t, ma’am,” and the young carpenter’s face fell considerably at the thought, “where would Martha be then?”

“I shall pay the money, of course,” Mrs. Conway said, “whether I get the place through her or not.  I should think that Miss Penfold will very likely be glad to be saved the trouble of looking for another servant.  But, if not, I must try some other way to get the place.”

“What name am I to say her friend has?”

“Let me think.  Ann Sibthorpe.”

“But suppose she asks about where her friend has been in service, ma’am, and about her character?”

“We will settle that afterward.  The first thing to do is for you to go over and see her, and ask her if she is willing to leave and do this.”

“I think I can answer for that, ma’am,” the young carpenter said with a quiet smile.

“Very well.  Still, we had better have it settled.  Will you go over to-day and see her? and then by to-morrow Mr. Tallboys and I will have talked the matter over and settled about the other points.  Of course you will tell her not to give notice until she has heard from you as to what she is to say about me.”

“Very well, ma’am.  I will start at once.”

“I can arrange about the character,” Mr. Tallboys said when they were alone.  “I have a cousin in London, to whom I shall write and explain the matter, and who will, I am sure, oblige me by writing to say that Ann Sibthorpe is all that can be desired as a servant:  steady, quiet, industrious and capable.  Well, I really congratulate you, Mrs. Conway.  At first I thought your project a hopeless one; now I think you have every chance of success.”

CHAPTER X.

ON DETACHMENT.

Ralph was soon at home in the regiment.  He found his comrades a cheery and pleasant set of men, ready to assist the newly-joined young officers as far as they could.  A few rough practical jokes were played; but Ralph took them with such perfect good temper that they were soon abandoned.