The Mysterious Maid-Servant — Barbara Cartland

Giselda had nowhere to turn.

Without the money for the operation her young brother might die. Her wealthy employer, the Earl of Lyndhurst, might be kind and generous but she could never accept his charity. He must not know the terrible reason for her family's poverty.

Choking back her pride and knowing that she was about to forfeit the love and respect she so tenderly wished from him, she said in a very low voice:

"I have... heard, and I do not think I am mistaken, that there are... g-gentlemen who will pay large sums of money for a girl who is... p-pure. I want... I must have... £50 immediately... and I thought perhaps you could find me... someone to give me... that amount."