decorating or something of the sort, but that too would be hopelessly out
of her reach, without friends to aid her. A servant's place in some one's
home was the only thing possible that presented itself to her mind. She
could not cook, nor do general housework, but she thought she could fill
the place of waitress.

With a brave face, but a shrinking heart, she stepped into a drug-store
and looked up in the directory the addresses of several employment
agencies.

[Illustration]




VI


It was half past eleven when she stepped into the first agency on her
list, and business was in full tide.

While she stood shrinking by the door the eyes of a dozen women fastened
upon her, each with keen scrutiny. The sensitive color stole into her
delicate cheeks. As the proprietress of the office began to question her,
she felt her courage failing.

"You wish a position?" The woman had a nose like a hawk, and eyes that
held no sympathy. "What do you want? General housework?"

"I should like a position as waitress." Her voice was low and sounded