"It would be difficult to advertise for what one wants," she said.
"Yes. To state that a girl must be clever and pretty and graceful,
and attractive, would make it difficult for a modest young lady
to write a suitable reply," said Fraulein Hirsch grimly, and both
Lady Etynge and Robin smiled.
"Among your own friends," Lady Etynge said to Robin, a little
pathetically in her yearning, "do you know of anyone--who might
know of anyone who would fit in? Sometimes there are poor little
cousins, you know?"
"Or girls who have an independent spirit and would like to support
themselves," said the Fraulein. "There are such girls in these
advanced times."
"I am afraid I don't know anyone," answered Robin. Modesty also
prevented her from saying that she thought she did. She herself
was well educated, she was good tempered and well bred, and she
had known for some time that she was pretty.
"Perhaps Fraulein Hirsch may bring you in to have tea with me some
afternoon when you are out," Lady Etynge said kindly before she
left them. "I think you would like to see Helene's rooms. I should
be glad to hear what another girl thinks of them."
Robin was delighted. Perhaps this was a way opening to her. She
talked to Mademoiselle Valle about it and so glowed with hope that
Mademoiselle's heart was moved.
"Do you think I might go?" she said. "Do you think there is any
chance that I might be the right person? AM I nice enough--and
well enough educated, and ARE my manners good?"
She did not know exactly where Lady Etynge lived, but believed
it was one of those big houses in a certain dignified "Place"
they both knew--a corner house, she was sure, because--by mere
chance--she had one day seen Lady Etynge go into such a house as
if it were her own.
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