At the close he wrote: "You are aware, I think, that
the name under which I do business is not my own. Permit me, in
writing to you on a private matter, to use my own signature"--
which accordingly followed. Moreover, he dated the letter from his
lodgings, not from the shop.
The next day brought him a reply; he found it on his breakfast
table, and broke the envelope with amused curiosity. Mrs. Cross
wrote that "Sarah Walker" had been to see her, and if inquiries
proved satisfactory, would be engaged. "We are very greatly obliged
for the trouble you have taken. Many thanks for your kind inquiries
as to my health. I am glad to say that the worst of the shock has
passed away, though I fear that I shall long continue to feel its
effects." A few remarks followed on the terrible difficulties of the
servant question; then "Should you be disengaged on Sunday next, we
shall be glad if you will take a cup of tea with us."
Over his coffee and egg, Will pondered this invitation. It pleased
him, undeniably, but caused him no undue excitement. He would have
liked to know in what degree Mrs. Cross' daughter was a consenting
party to the step. Perhaps she felt that, after the services he had
rendered, the least one could do was to invite him to tea. Why
should he refuse? Before going to business, he wrote a brief
acceptance. During the day, a doubt now and then troubled him as to
whether he had behaved discreetly, but on the whole he looked
forward to Sunday with pleasant expectation.
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