note of hesitation and of doubt in her voice. As a
rule Miss Forsyth knew exactly what she thought
about everything, and what she herself would be
minded to do in any particular case.

But the other lady, incensed at what she considered
uncalled-for, even rather impertinent advice, replied
sharply, "I shouldn't think of doing anything so unkind
and so unjust! Why, because the powers of evil
have conquered -- I mean by that the dreadful German
military party -- should I behave unjustly to a faithful
old German woman who has been with me -- let me
see -- why, who has been with me exactly eighteen
years? With the exception of a married niece with
whom she went and stayed in Berlin three autumns
ago, my poor old Anna hasn't a relation left in Germany.
Her whole life is centred in me -- or perhaps
I ought to say in Rose. She was the only nurse Rose
ever had."

"And yet she has remained typically German," observed
Miss Forsyth irrelevantly.

"Of course she has!" cried Mrs. Otway quickly.
"And that is why we are both so much attached to
her. Anna has all the virtues of the German woman;
she is faithful, kindly, industrious, and thrifty."

"But, Mary, has it not occurred to you that you
will find it very awkward sometimes?" Again without
waiting for an answer, Miss Forsyth went on:
"Our working people have long felt it very hard that
there should be so many Germans in England, taking
away their jobs."

"They have only themselves to thank for that,"
said Mrs. Otway, with more sharpness than was usual
with an exceptionally kindly and amiable nature.

[[8]]

p007 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p008w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p009

v?