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countless masts could be seen above the roofs of Plymouth.  Was the ship that would take her to America already in port?  Louisa clutched her valise tighter, and followed Mr. Dobbs through the narrow streets of the city in the direction of the docks. 
    “There’s a respectable inn near the docks, the “Stag’s Head .”  I’ll leave ye there and go inquire about a ship.  I know the proprietress, Mistress Fairley, and she’ll do right by ye, don’t ye fret.”  Mr. Dobbs didn’t really expect an answer, so Louisa just followed him to the inn, which was tucked away on a narrow side-street, a peeling sign of a stag’s severed head swaying and creaking in the gentle breeze.  Louisa slid off the horse, nearly falling down as her knees buckled from the long hours in the saddle.
    Mrs. Fairley greeted Louisa with enthusiasm , and immediately escorted her to the ‘best room’ in the “Stag’s Head.”  The room faced the back of the house, thus being quieter and more private.  It contained a bed, a small table with a single chair, and a chamber pot; discreetly pushed under the bed.  Louisa set down her valise and sat down on the bed.  Her behind was sore from riding for several hours, and she leaned back, grateful not to be on horseback anymore.  Now she had to wait.  She wondered if her cheese sandwich was still good and pulled it out of the bag, sniffing at it cautiously.  It seemed all right, so Louisa bit into it and chewed slowly, savoring the last taste of home.  Mrs. Fairley said that supper would be served at seven. Louisa could partake of it in the main dining room with the other guests, or have a tray sent up to her room.  Louisa thought that she might like to go to the dining room. 
    She must have drifted off , since the knock on the door startled her awake.  Mr. Dobbs entered the room, his hat in his hands and stood awkwardly in the center.
    “I’ve found ye a ship, Mistress.  The Gloriana will be sailing to the New World at the end of the week, so ye only have a few days to wait, which is very good luck indeed.  Might have been much longer had ye come after the Gloriana left.  I cannot say when the next ship will be. 
    As it happens, Mistress Fairley has a niece who is eager to go into service.  Shall I tell her to come see ye?”
    Louisa just nodded, uncertain of how to answer.  She supposed he meant that the niece wanted to apply for the position of her maid , and needed to be interviewed.  Louisa had no idea what to ask her, but she could hardly hire the girl without even talking to her.  She would think of something. 
    “I will have Mistress Fairley send up a tray for ye,” John Dobbs informed her.  “Rough crowd down there tonight.  Best ye stay here, being a lady and all.  I will be on my way back now.  Just present yourself to Captain Fellowes on Friday.  He’ll be expecting ye and the girl.  God speed, Mistress Jamison.”  With that, he bowed and left the room, leaving Louisa feeling strangely vulnerable.  She was on her own now. 
    Louisa splashed some water on her face and wondered about the time , just as there was a knock on the door.  A young girl entered the room, carrying a tray laden with a bowl, a heel of bread, and a mug of ale. 
    “Good evening, Mistress Jamison.  My aunt sent up yer supper.  Oyster stew tonight.  I hope it is to yer liking.”  The girl looked terribly nervous, so Louisa assured her that oyster stew would be wonderful, despite her own misgivings about eating seafood in a place like this.  “I am the one looking to go into service, Miss,” the girl added, staring at her feet.
    “Oh.  I see.”  Louisa sat down on the one chair and faced the girl.  “Tell me something about yourself then.”
    “I am called Agnes Crowley, Miss.  Mrs. Fairley is my mam’s sister.  I ‘ave lived here since my mam passed last winter.  I can cook, clean, and mend clothes if it please ye, Miss.”  Agnes snuck a peek at Louisa from