I sometimes think I will go and work for my living, but my father won't hear of it.

And what can I do?
I haven't qualified for anything.

The only thing open to me is to fill a post of unpaid companion to a rich and elderly cousin who would put up with me but doesn't much want me.

She lives at Kensington, too, and I can breathe only in the country." "Poor little girl!" said Hugh kindly.
"Oh, don't pity me!" she said quickly.

"You can't do anything to help.
And I shouldn't grumble to you if there were anyone else to grumble to." She leaned back against her sheaf with her eyes on the sunlit water below.