Isabel said, 'No, thank you; I will not be a burden on a relation who has only enough for herself.

A girl can earn an honest living if she tries; and I mean to try'-- that's what she said.

I admired her independence," her Ladyship proceeded, ascending again to the higher regions of thought and expression.

"My niece's marriage, just at that time, had left me alone in this great house.

I proposed to Isabel to come to me as companion and reader for a few weeks, and to decide for herself whether she liked the life or not.