FullReads

‘You see, Mrs. Rymer, that I have to live as carefully as I can. This house is really all I have to depend upon, and–and–‘

Again she was spared the unpleasant utterance. With an irresistible smile, and laying her soft hand on the visitor’s ill-fitting glove, Mrs. Rymer began to reveal the happy thought which had occurred to her. In the house there was a spare room; why should not Miss Shepperson come and live here–live, that is to say, as a member of the family? Nothing simpler than to arrange the details of such a plan, which, of course, must be ‘strictly businesslike,’ though carried out in a spirit of mutual goodwill. A certain sum of money was due to her for rent; suppose this were repaid in the form of board and lodging, which might be reckoned at–should one say, fifteen shillings a week? At midsummer next an account would be drawn up, ‘in a thoroughly businesslike way,’ and whatever then remained due to Miss Shepperson would be paid at once; after which, if the arrangement proved agreeable to both sides, it might be continued, cost of board and lodging being deducted from the rent, and the remainder paid ‘with regularity’ every quarter. Miss Shepperson would thus have a home–a real home–with all family comforts, and Mrs. Rymer, who was too much occupied with house and children to see much society, would have the advantage of a sympathetic friend under her own roof. The good lady’s voice trembled with joyous eagerness as she unfolded the project, and her eyes grew large as she waited for the response.

Miss Shepperson felt such astonishment that she could only reply with incoherencies. An idea so novel and so strange threw her thoughts into disorder. She was alarmed by the invitation to live with people who were socially her superiors. On the other hand, the proposal made appeal to her natural inclination for domestic life; it offered the possibility of occupation, of usefulness. Moreover, from the pecuniary point of view, it would be so very advantageous.

‘But,’ she stammered at length, when Mrs. Rymer had repeated the suggestion in words even more gracious and alluring, ‘but fifteen shillings is so very little for board and lodging.’

‘Oh, don’t let that trouble you, dear Miss Shepperson,’ cried the other gaily. ‘In a family, so little difference is made by an extra person. I assure you it is a perfectly businesslike arrangement; otherwise my husband, who is prudence itself, would never have sanctioned it. As you know, we are suffering a temporary embarrassment. I wrote to you yesterday before my husband’s return from business. When he came home, I learnt, to my dismay, that it might be rather more than a month before he was able to send you a cheque. I said: “Oh, I must write again to Miss Shepperson. I can’t bear to think of misleading her.” Then, as we talked, that idea came to me. As I think you will believe, Miss Shepperson, I am not a scheming or a selfish woman; never, never have I wronged any one in my life. This proposal, I cannot help feeling, is as much for your benefit as for ours. Doesn’t it really seem so to you? Suppose you come up with me and look at the room. It is not in perfect order, but you will see whether it pleases you.

Curiosity allying itself with the allurement which had begun to work upon her feelings, Miss Shepperson timidly rose and followed her smiling guide upstairs. The little spare room on the second floor was furnished simply enough, but made such a contrast with the bedchamber in the Acton lodging-house that the visitor could scarcely repress an exclamation. Mrs. Rymer was voluble with promise of added comforts. She interested herself in Miss Shepperson’s health, and learnt with the utmost satisfaction that it seldom gave trouble. She inquired as to Miss Shepperson’s likings in the matter of diet, and strongly approved her preference for a plain, nutritive regimen. From the spare room the visitor was taken into all the others, and before they went downstairs again Mrs. Rymer had begun to talk as though the matter were decided.