Lady John (cheerfully turning it aside). Well, my dear, it will all come in convenient. (Tapping the plan.)
Miss L. It once happened to me to take offence at an ugly thing that was going on under my father's roof. Oh, years ago! I was an impulsive girl. I turned my back on my father's house——
Lady John (for Jean's benefit). That was ill-advised.
Mrs. H. Of course, if a girl does that——
Miss L. That was what all my relations said (with a glance at Jean), and I couldn't explain.
Jean. Not to your mother?
Miss L. She was dead. I went to London to a small hotel and tried to find employment. I wandered about all day and every day from agency to agency. I was supposed to be educated. I'd been brought up partly in Paris; I could play several instruments, and sing little songs in four different tongues. (Slight pause.)
Jean. Did nobody want you to teach French or sing the little songs?
Miss L. The heads of schools thought me too young. There were people ready to listen to my singing, but the terms—they were too hard. Soon my money was gone. I began to pawn my trinkets. They went.
Jean. And still no work?