The aged, dried-up Maid, looked at Jenny with a gaze no less piercing for her many years. “Do you wish to join our number?”

Jenny gave her most charming smile, which had little effect. “Sure!”

“Your reputation has preceded you.”

“Not this ‘me.’”

“Technically speaking, yes. Nevertheless, your unique nature could be both an asset and a burden to the House.”

“Why don’t you ask Her what She thinks?”

“In due time. If you truly wish to join Her Servants, you must understand what that entails. You will answer directly to the House, not those who claim to rule Her. Your old life and any of your sins will be forgotten by all. But you will not be able to leave the House, though this is not a problem for most, as it is larger than most universes. You will only be able to marry among the other Servants. Do you accept this?”

She’d weighed these questions many times before. “Yes.”

“Then if you survive the Test, you shall become a Maid. You will watch the House while the Master is away.”