Large affairs always appealed to her more than small ones, and she offered valuable suggestions as to the account keeping of the big house.

They all assumed that she was permanently settled in this well paid position, and she made no confidences.

But all summer long she planned and read and studied out her progressive schemes, and strengthened her hold among the working women.
Laundress after laundress she studied personally and tested professionally, finding a general level of mediocrity, till finally she hit upon a melancholy Dane--a big rawboned red-faced woman--whose husband had been a miller, but was hurt about the head so that he was no longer able to earn his living.

The huge fellow was docile, quiet, and endlessly strong, but needed constant supervision.
"He'll do anything you tell him, Miss, and do it well; but then he'll sit and dream about it--I can't leave him at all.

But he'll take the clothes if I give him a paper with directions, and come right back." Poor Mrs.Thorald wiped her eyes, and went on with her swift ironing.
Diantha offered her the position of laundress at Union House, with two rooms for their own, over the laundry.