"Senora Gredos, ma'am!"

The eyes of the old maid glittered, and she made a clutch at
her breast as though the reply had taken away her breath.
"Why did you leave?" she asked, regaining her composure.

Susan looked uncomfortable. "I thought the house was too gay,
ma'am."

"What do you mean by that? Can any house be too gay for a
girl of your years?"

"I have been well brought up, ma'am," said Susan quietly; "and
my religious principles are dear to me. Although she is an
invalid, ma'am, Senora Gredos was very gay. Many people came
to her house and played cards, even on Sunday," added Susan
under her breath. But low as she spoke, Miss Loach heard.

"I have whist parties here frequently," she said drily;
"nearly every evening four friends of mine call to play. Have
you any objection to enter my service on that account?"

"Oh, no, ma'am. I don't mind a game of cards. I play
'Patience' myself when alone. I mean gambling--there was a
lot of money lost and won at Senora Gredos' house!"

"Yet she is an invalid I think you said?"

"Yes, ma'am. She was a dancer, I believe, and fell in some
way, so as to break her leg or hurt her back. She has been