Fearful that she had disgraced herself by ill manners; loath to be taken possession of as if her wishes were of no consequence when a rich lady ’ s whim was to be gratified; suspicious — since she had often heard gossiping tales of the dishonesty of people in high positions — lest she should be cheated out of the salary she had come resolved to demand; and withal unable to defend herself against Miss Carew, Alice caught at the first excuse that occurred to her.
“ I should like a little time to consider, ” she said.
“ Time to accustom yourself to me, is it not? You can have as long as you plea- ”
“ Oh, I can let you know tomorrow, ” interrupted Alice, officiously.
“ Thank you. I will send a note to Mrs. Goff to say that she need not expect you back until tomorrow. ”
“ But I did not mea
