She was a free agent, and I did not attempt to influence her.

In fact, being of rather an independent turn of mind myself, I sympathize with others in their independence, and rarely seek to interfere with a declared course of action.
My new cook, unfortunately, had been out of sight of land, and that for weeks together.

She was fresh from the Emerald Island.

When she presented herself I saw in her but small promise.

Having learned on enquiry that her name was Alice Mahoney, I said: "How long have you been in this country, Alice ?" There was a moment or two of hesitation.