Suddenly she started, as she heard a step behind her, and
turning, saw Sal Rawlins, in the neatest of black gowns, with a
coquettish white cap and apron, and an open book. Madge had been so
delighted with Sal for saving Brian's life that she had taken her into
her service as maid. Mr. Frettlby had offered strong opposition at
first that a fallen woman like Sal should be near his daughter; but
Madge was determined to rescue the unhappy girl from the life of sin
she was leading, and so at last he reluctantly consented. Brian, too,
had objected, but ultimately yielded, as he saw that Madge had set her
heart on it. Mother Guttersnipe objected at first, characterising the
whole affair as "cussed 'umbug," but she, likewise, gave in, and Sal
became maid to Miss Frettlby, who immediately set to work to remedy
Sal's defective education by teaching her to read. The book she held in
her hand was a spelling-book, and this she handed to Madge.
"I think I knows it now, miss," she said, respectfully, as Madge looked
up with a smile.
"Do you, indeed?" said Madge, gaily. "You will be able to read in no
time, Sal."
"Read this?" said Sal, touching "Tristan: A Romance, by Zoe."
"Hardly!" said Madge, picking it up, with a look of contempt.
"I want you to learn English, and not a confusion of tongues like this
thing. But it's too hot for lessons, Sal," she went on, leaning back in
her seat, "so get a chair and talk to me.
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