Carolyn Wells

“ As a beginning, Lady Lucy reclined languidly on a couch and thrust out her foot, which was heavily shod after the most exaggerated English fashion. For a moment Millicent felt annoyed and her face flushed deep red; then, remembering it was a game, she threw herself into it in her own whole-souled way, and dropping on her knees before the pale-haired aristocrat, she removed her heavy boots, brought her slippers and put them on for her, and then proceeded to assist her through the intricacies of a very elaborate toilet. ”

“ Goodness gracious, Miss Marguerite, I think her ladyship will open her eyes at my parlor-maid! Of course I shall call you all by your first names—they 're rather unusual for servants, some of them, but I 'll explain that American servants are often elaborately dubbed. ”

“ Helen preferred to be Mrs. Lennox's own maid, so Millicent was allotted to the English visitors.
All agreed that Marguerite would make the most picturesque parlor-maid; and as no other post could be thought of, Nan said she would be private secretary and librarian. Mrs. Lennox entered heartily into the scheme, and agreed with Millicent that if the thing were done at all, it must be done completely and with most careful attention to the minutest details.
"Could you submit to be spoken to as menials, as you might be?" said Mrs. Lennox. ”