"You are very kind," Janetta answered. "I was music governess at Miss Polehampton's, and I think that music is my strong point; but I should be quite willing to teach other things—if I could get any pupils."
"And how is it that you do not get any pupils?"
Janetta hesitated, but a look into the old lady's benevolent face invited confidence. She answered steadily—
"I am afraid that my sudden departure from Miss Polehampton's school has prejudiced some people against me."
"And could not somebody write to Miss Polehampton and get her to give you a testimonial?"
"I am afraid she would refuse."
"And that is all Margaret Adair's fault, is it not?" said Lady Ashley, shrewdly but kindly.
She was amused to see the flush of indignation in Janetta's face. "Margaret's fault? Oh no, Lady Ashley. It was not Margaret's fault any more than mine. We were both not very—not very respectful, perhaps, but I was, if anything, much worse than Margaret. And she shared my fate with me; she left when I did."
"You are a staunch friend, I see. And are you friendly with her still?"
"Oh yes," said Janetta, with enthusiasm. "She is so good—so kind—so beautiful! She has been here to-day to have a singing lesson—perhaps you saw her drive away just as you came up? She brought me these lovely flowers this afternoon."