But for Mercy she would have been received at Mablethorpe House as Lady Janet's companion, with a salary of one hundred pounds a year.

On the other hand, how long (with such a temper as she had revealed) would Grace have remained in the service of her protectress?
She would probably have been dismissed in a few weeks, with a year's salary to compensate her, and with a recommendation to some suitable employment.

What would be a fair compensation now?
Lady Janet decided that five years' salary immediately given, and future assistance rendered if necessary, would represent a fit remembrance of the late Colonel Roseberry's claims, and a liberal pecuniary acknowledgment of any harshness of treatment which Grace might have sustained at her hands.

At the same time, and for the further satisfying of her own conscience, she determined to discover the sum which Grace herself would consider sufficient by the simple process of making Grace herself propose the terms.
"It is impossible for me to make you an offer," she said, "for this reason--your need of money will depend greatly on your future plans.

I am quite ignorant of your future plans.'' "Perhaps your ladyship will kindly advise me ?" said Grace, satirically.
"I cannot altogether undertake to advise you," Lady Janet replied.