I.

Two distressing reasons combined to compel Mrs. Chater to give Mary
place at the evening meal. There was the aggravating fact that
mothers'-helps, just as if they were ordinary people, must be fed;
there was also the contingency that servants most strongly objected to
serving a special meal--even "on a tray"--to one who was not of the
family, yet who had airs above the kitchen.

Except, then, when there were guests Miss Humfray must be accommodated
at late dinner. Mrs. Chater considered it annoying, yet found in it
certain comfortable advantages--as sympathy from friends: "Mustn't it
be rather awkward sometimes, Mrs. Chater?" A plaintive shrug would
illustrate the answer: "Well, it is, of course, very awkward
sometimes; but one must put up with it. That class of person takes
offence so easily, you know; and I always try to treat my lady-helps
as well as possible." "I'm sure you do, Mrs. Chater. How grateful they
should be!" And this time a sad little laugh would illustrate: "Oh,
one hardly expects gratitude nowadays, does one?"

Mary at dinner must observe certain rules, however. Certain dishes--a
little out of season, perhaps, or classed as luxuries--were borne
triumphantly past her by a glad parlour-maid acting upon a frown and a
glance that Mrs. Chater signalled. Certain occasions, again, when
private matters were to be discussed, were heralded by "Miss Humfray,"
in an inflexion of voice that set Mary to fold her napkin and from the
room.