“You were accustomed at the time I was with you to have a bookkeeper, who came regularly to make up your bills and your accounts.  Have you the same arrangement still?”

“Yes, and the same gentleman; a first-rate hand at his figures; employed by many beside me,” said Mrs. Dunn.

“Then he cannot miss one customer.  Will you give the business to me on the same terms, for the sake of old times?”

“To you, Miss Melville! it is not worth your having.  It is only by his having so many that he makes it pay, though he is as good an accountant as any in Edinburgh.”

“I might in time get a good many too.  Surely women might put all their work in the way of their own sex.  I am quite competent; I convinced a bank manager to-day that I was fit for a situation in his establishment, but he did not like the idea of taking a young woman amongst his clerks.  You can have no objection on that score.  You know I will be quiet, careful, and methodical.”

Mrs. Dunn was very sorry, but really nobody ever thought of having young ladies to make up their books.  It was not the custom of any trade.  A gentleman coming in gave confidence both to herself and to the public; and she had no fault to find with Mr. McDonald—­a most gentlemanly man, with a wife and family, too—­it would not be fair to part with him without any cause.  And, indeed, the business was not what it used to be—­it needed the most careful management to get along, and she could not risk having a change in her establishment just at present; perhaps by-and-by.

“While grass grows horses starve,” said Jane.  “If I establish a reputation and get employment from others you could not object to me.  Everyone is alike; neither man nor woman will give me a chance.

“I cannot blame you, Mrs. Dunn, for thinking and acting so much like other people.”

“I am sure it would be better for you to take a nice comfortable situation; but I thought you had friends.  If there was any other way that I could serve you in I would be so happy.  If you had asked to be taken into the work-room—­but I suppose you look higher.”

“I do not know how low I may look ere long, Mrs. Dunn.  It is quite
possible I may trouble you again, but in the meantime-----”

“In the meantime I want you to come into the show-room and see the new sleeve just out from Paris—­it would improve the dress you have on amazingly.  I suppose that was made in Swinton.  And you must see Mademoiselle; she is with us still, and as positive as ever; and many of the young people you will recognise.  How we have all talked about you and Miss Alice lately.  It was such an extraordinary settlement!”

Jane forced herself into the show-room, listened mechanically to the exclamations and remarks of Mademoiselle, the forewoman, shook hands with all the work-girls she had known, looked with vacant eyes on the new sleeve, and heard its merits descanted on very fully; then went back into Mrs. Dunn’s parlour, and had a glass of ginger wine and a piece of seed-cake with her; after which she took leave, and Mrs. Dunn felt satisfied, for she had paid Miss Melville a great deal of attention in spite of her altered circumstances.