Here she stood looking hopelessly about her until her attention was arrested by the group of girls and young women who stood on the steps of the Cross, laughing and talking together. She noticed that now and then a farmer and his wife would step up to one or other of these and hold a conversation which seemed to partake of the nature of a bargain. Out of sheer curiosity the stranger enquired of a woman what the girls stood there for. The woman regarded her curiously.
"Why, to be hired, of course," she answered. "They're looking out for situations, and they're mighty particular, too, some on 'em, for servants are scarce to-day."
The stranger hesitated a moment, and then she made her way through the throng and took her place on the Butter-Cross.
