She could hardly believe her luck. Ten shillings a day was an enormous wage: girls of her age who worked as housemaids were lucky to get a shilling a day. Her heart beat faster. "Done," she said quickly, afraid he might change his mind. "When do I start?"
"Come tomorrow at half-past ten."
"I'll be here."
They shook hands and the girls moved off. Sammles called after her: "Mind you wear the dress you've got on today--it's fetching."
"Have no fear," Maisie said. It was the only one she had. But she did not tell Sammles that.
Section 3
TRAFFIC IN THE PARK
TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES
Sir,--There has been noted in Hyde Park, in recent days, at about half-past eleven o'clock each morning, a jamb of carriages, so large, that there has been no getting forward for up to an hour. Numerous explanations have been suggested; as, that too many Country residents come up to Town for the Season; or, that the prosperity of London is now such that even tradesmen's wives keep carriages and drive in the Park; but the real truth has nowhere been mentioned. The fault lies with a lady, whose name is unknown, but whom men term "The Lioness," doubtless on account of the tawny colour of her hair; a charming creature, beautifully dressed, who rides, with ease and spirit, horses that would daunt many males; and drives, with equal facility, a carriage, drawn by perfectly matched pairs. The fame of her beauty and equestrian daring is such that all London migrates to the Park at the hour when she is expected; and, once there, finds it cannot move. Could not you, sir, whose business it is to know everything and everyone, and who possibly, therefore, may know the true identity of The Lioness, prevail upon her to desist, so that the Park may return to its normal state of quiet decorum and ease of passage?
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
AN OBSERVER.
The letter had to be a joke, Hugh thought as he put down the newspaper. The Lioness was real enough--he had heard the clerks at the bank talking about her--but she was not the cause of carriage congestion. All the same he was intrigued. He gazed through the leaded windows of Whitehaven House to the park. Today was a holiday. The sun was shining and there were already lots of people walking, riding and driving carriages. Hugh thought he might just go to the park in the hope of seeing what the fuss was all about.
