The next morning, Susan came back early from her
housekeeping business, with her honest face grave and unhappy, and
finding Miss Fosbrook alone, told her she had something REALLY to say
to her if she might; and this being granted began, with the bright
look of having found a capital notion: "I'll tell you what I wish
you would do."
"Well?"
"If you would call every one in all the house, and ask them on their
word and honour if they took the pence."
"My dear, I am not the head of the house, and I have no right to do
that; besides, I do not believe it would discover it."
"What! could a thief get in from out of doors!" said Susan looking at
the window.
"Hardly that, my dear; but I am afraid a person who could steal would
not scruple to tell a falsehood, and I do not wish to cause this
additional sin."
"It is very horrid; I can't bear it," said Susan, puckering up her
face for tears. "Do you know, Miss Fosbrook, the maids are all so
angry that you said anything about Rhoda?"
"You did not mention it, my dear?"
"Oh no; nor Sam. It was Nurse herself! But they all say that you
want to take away her character; and they won't have strangers put
over them.
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