This astonishing aphorism was almost too much for Nora's composure. She
gave Mrs. Wickham an amused glance, to which that lady responded by
beaming upon her in her most agreeable manner.

"My wife and I would be very glad to make some kind of acknowledgment of
your services."

"I was just going to mention it," echoed Mrs. Wickham heartily.

Mr. Wynne's kindly face brightened visibly. He was glad they were going
to do the right thing, after all. He had been a little fearful a few
moments before. "I felt sure that in the circumstances----"

But Mrs. Wickham interrupted him quickly.

"What were your wages, may I ask, Miss Marsh?"

"Thirty pounds a year."

"Really?" in a tone of excessive surprise. "Many ladies are glad to go
as companion without any salary, just for the sake of a home and
congenial society. I daresay you've been able to save a good deal in all
these years."

"I had to dress myself decently, Mrs. Wickham," said Nora frigidly.

Mrs. Wickham was graciousness itself. "Well, I'm sure my husband will
be very glad to give you a year's salary, won't you, Jim?"