I had two friends, one from above stairs, one from below. To the world, both friendships didn't exist. I must be joyful for them, secretly in my heart. Better in secret than an empty heart altogether.
I helped in the laundry as Pearl took her nap. I would rather work, be useful, than retreat to my room, as Nettie would whenever Mrs. Worthington didn't require her services. Alone, in my room, my deciding grew too big; it left little space for me. My helping didn't seem to endear me to the staff much, perhaps a little. It made no difference to me; I didn't do it for them.
As the time for the staff dinner drew near, I thought to help in the kitchen and to get a drink of water, for the hot steaminess of the laundry always made me thirsty.
I opened the frosted glass door that separated the l
