'It was, indeed,' sighed the poor governess. 'But there is so little
choice for people like myself. Certificates, and even degrees, are
asked for on every hand. With nothing but references to past
employers, what can one expect? I know it will end in my taking a
place without salary.'

'People seem to have still less need of _me_,' lamented the
companion. 'I wish now that I had gone to Norwich as lady-help.'

'Dear, your health would _never_ have supported it.'

'I don't know. Possibly the more active life might do me good. It
_might_, you know, Alice.'

The other admitted this possibility with a deep sigh.

'Let us review our position,' she then exclaimed.

It was a phrase frequently on her lips, and always made her more
cheerful. Virginia also seemed to welcome it as an encouragement.

'Mine,' said the companion, 'is almost as serious as it could be. I
have only one pound left, with the exception of the dividend.'

'I have rather more than four pounds still. Now, let us think,'
Alice paused. 'Supposing we neither of us obtain employment before
the end of this year. We have to live, in that case, more than six
months--you on seven pounds, and I on ten.'

'It's impossible,' said Virginia.