You see, I am pretty well up in the literature of Ancient Egypt; in fact, I was to receive special payment on that account.

And it would have been such an interesting task, too.

However, it can't be helped." I proceeded methodically with the application of the dressings, and meanwhile reflected.

It was evident that she was deeply disappointed.
Loss of work meant loss of money, and it needed but a glance at her rusty black dress to see that there was little margin for that.
Possibly, too, there was some special need to be met.

Her manner seemed almost to imply that there was.