"She has already said that she is willing to do anything honest she can do," answered Diana for me; "and you know，St. John，she has no choice of helpers: she is forced to put up with such crusty people as you."

"I will be a dressmaker; I will be a plain-workwoman; I will be a servant，a nurse-girl，if I can be no better," I answered.

"Right," said Mr. St. John，quite coolly. "If such is your spirit，I promise to aid you，in my own time and way."

He now resumed the book with which he had been occupied before tea.

I soon withdrew，for I had talked as much，and sat up as long，as my present strength would permit.