“How,” I cried in astonishment; “I proprietor? I do not understand. Please explain.”
Madame looked blandly on; my remarks were evidently unintelligible to her.
“It is a very onerous and responsible position, Mademoiselle”—shrugging her shoulders—“I should not like to advise you. Do you comprehend the extent of the undertaking? I should not be willing to trust my pupils in timid hands.”
Her remarks stung me, and gave, I presume, the favorable turn to my destiny, for I felt the power to undertake a task which I would before have shrunk from.
“I will do my duty in all cases to the best of my ability, madame!” was my brief reply.
“Ah, you do not comprehend, Madame,” said Monsieur Pilot, coming briskly to the rescue. “This is a surprise to Mees Reef. My very good friend Monsieur Bristeed has not apprised the young lady of his bounty. I have his commission to purchase for her this establishment, which he is aware you desire to dispose of, Madame. His recommendation of the young lady is surely sufficient.”
“The whole establishment?” I asked, with an effort at composure.
“Yes,” replied Madame. “I am obliged to start for the West Indies, and must dispose of all. The present instructors are thoroughly competent for their various positions; they merely need a supervisor. You appear young, but I presume experience has fitted you for the office.”
“Eminently so, eminently,” answered Monsieur Pilot promptly, as if he had been guardian of my reputation for years. “We will consider the arrangements as complete, my clear Madame. I will call tomorrow and close the transaction. _Bon jour_, Madame.”
And with rapid strides he hurried me away.