through themselves.

'Can I speak to you, sir.'

'Certainly, Sabina--go on.'

'I have come to say, sir, that--that--I have came to say, sir, that'--a
pause; she looked very guilty.

'That's right, Sabina; you have come to say that--I understand--but what
have you come to say?'

'I have come to say, sir, that--I have come to go, sir!'

I controlled myself. She was an excellent chambermaid; understood my
ways thoroughly; and did her work well; had always been respectful to
_me_, and was very steady. It would be a great loss, but DISCIPLINE must
be preserved, and my mind was at once made up. My sister looked
surprised and sorry right out.

'Well, Sabina, when do you wish to go.'

'On Saturday, sir.'

Oh how my sister wanted to speak, but I looked at the tin box that held
the contract and she bit her lip.

'Very well, Sabina, you have a perfect right to go when and where you
please, and I will take great pleasure in writing out an excellent
character for you. Let me see, (looking at my account book) that is two