Caroline, sitting by the living-room window, was waiting for her uncle
to return from the city.
In the kitchen Annie Moriarty was preparing dinner. Annie was now cook
as well as chamber-maid, for, of all the Warren servants, she was the
only one remaining. Edwards, the "Commodore," had been dismissed, had
departed, not without reluctance but philosophically, to seek other
employment. "Yes, miss," observed Edwards, when notified that his
services were no longer required; "I understand. I've been expecting
it. I was in a family before that met with financial difficulties, and
I know the signs. All I can say is that I hope you and Mr. Stephen will
get on all right, miss. If there's anything I can do to help you, by way
of friendship, please let me know. I'd be glad, for old times' sake. And
the cook wanted me to tell you that, being as she's got another job in
sight and was paid up to date, she wouldn't wait for notice, but was
leaving immediate. She's gone already, miss."
The second maid went also. But Annie, Irish and grateful, refused to go.
Her mother came to back her in the refusal.
"Indeed she'll not leave you, Miss Caroline--you nor Captain Warren
neither. Lord love him! Sure, d'ye think we'll ever forget what you and
him done for me and my Pat and the childer? You've got to have somebody,
ain't you? And Annie's cookin' ain't so bad that it'll kill yez; and
I'll learn her more.
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