There was no need of haste, as the choosing of the maids would not be closed for two months or more.

I left with my uncle funds necessary for the purchase of gowns, and the payment of other expenses, and, with his consent, undertook to notify the Duchess of York that Frances would seek to enter her Grace's service in the near future.

Then I went back to London, and when next I saw my cousin it was in the shadow of a tragedy.
My uncle's humble friend, Roger Wentworth, the leather merchant of Sundridge, had a brother living in London, who was also a leather merchant, Sir William Wentworth.

He had been Lord Mayor at one time, and had been knighted by the king because of a loan made by the city to his Majesty.

Sir William was an honest, simple man, who cared little to rise above his class, but he had a wife who thrilled to the heart whenever she heard the words "Lady Wentworth," and experienced a spasm of delight whenever she saw her name in the news letters or journals.
Sir William had a son, also, who imagined himself to be ornamental, but laid no claim to usefulness of any sort.