SARAH'S FIRST START IN LIFE.
BY ADELAIDE M. G. CAMPBELL.
PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE TRACT COMMITTEE.
LONDON:
SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE,
NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE, W.C.;
43, QUEEN VICTORIA STREET, E.C.
BRIGHTON: 127, North Street.
New York: E. & J. B. YOUNG AND CO.
PRINTED BY
WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED,
LONDON AND BECCLES.
"LET HIM DOWN, MISS; IT'S ALL RIGHT NOW."
SARAH'S FIRST START IN LIFE.
"Now, Sarah, just you make haste with that kettle, and we will have anice cup of tea for dad when he comes in."
"Dad's" real name was David Brown, and Sarah was his only child, justturned eighteen. The Browns were a happy family, though poor, and theyput their trust in God, and did not worry about the morrow. Sarah hadjust been telling her mother of a situation as kitchen maid that she hadbeen inquiring about, and had almost decided to take, but her father'spermission was still wanting. Mr. Brown was a cab driver, and found itsometimes very hard work to make both ends meet, especially in thewinter time, when coals were a necessity and dear at best.
This conversation took place on Christmas Day, and Brown had promised tobe home for tea, knowing how disappointed his wife and Sarah would feelif he stayed out until his usual hour, which was half-past ten. Soon thekettle was singing away merrily on the hob, and Sarah was toasting somebread in front of a small bright fire, when a knock was heard, the dooropened, and a man about twenty-four came in. He was evidently notunexpected, as four places were prepared at the table.
Dick Bream was one of a large family, and very much devoted to Sarah;they had told each other how they would work hard to earn some money andset up house together, and Sarah was now longing to tell him about herfuture situation. Dick was a footman, and had a very comfortable placein Belgrave Square—he was getting on well, and his master had promisedto help him to get a place as upper servant in a year or two. He andSarah kissed each other heartily under the misletoe, which was over thedoor, and Dick shook hands with Mrs. Brown, and they were beginning totalk about Sarah's future when Mr. Brown's cheerful voice was heardcalling her to hold the horse, while he got down from the box. Up sprangSarah, out she ran and stood at Bobby's head, patting and soothing himin his impatience to get to the warm stable and clean hay. Mr. Browntook the horse and harness to the stable, and Sarah held the lanternwhilst he wiped down Bobby.
"Well, father," said Sarah, "tea is ready, your slippers are by thefire, and I have some news to tell you; but you shan't hear it till youhave drunk a hot cup of tea and eaten one of my best baked cakes."
The father patted her cheek, kissed his wife, and, drawing off his coat,sat down at the head of the table.
After the grace was reverently said by Sarah, Mr. Brown said—
"Well, what is this wonderful news?"
Sarah looked across the table at Dick, whom Mrs. Brown had told aboutthe situation, and smiled, whilst her mother began telling the fatherabout Sarah's plan. Mr. Brown looked grave, and slowly shook his headwhen he heard that a departure was meditated.
"Nay, nay, I won't have my girl going out into the world and becomingindependent and looking down on her old dad, when she sees the way finefolk treat one another;" so