’tis cheaply earned; My conscience! how one’s cabman charges! But never mind, so I’m returned Safe to my native street of Clarges. H.D. TRAILL At first it seemed as if Number 67 was all set for one of the most tranquil periods the town house had known since it was first built early in the previous century. From Rainbird down to Dave, the staff vowed they had never known such sweet and charming ladies. Miss Metcalf, on being appealed to by Rainbird shortly after her arrival for an increase in the staff’s wages, had said she would write to the lawyer, Mr Gladstone, asking his permission. Mr Gladstone had replied that since the servants appeared to be asking only a reasonable amount, he would allow Harriet to pay the increase, but added that he had written to Mr Palmer, complaining that servants should be paid so little in this year of Our Lord, 1809. At first Harriet was at a loss as to how to begin finding suitable social company for her charges, but Rainbird had stepped in with a list of the correct people to cultivate.
