Florence smiled and extended her hand.
“I hope we will like each other,” she said.
The little girl eyed her with approval. This beautiful young lady was a pleasant surprise to her, for, never having had a governess, she expected to meet a stiff, elderly lady, of stern aspect. She readily gave her hand to Florence, and looked relieved.
“Carrie,” said Mrs. Leighton, “you may show Miss Linden the way to the schoolroom.”
“All right, mamma,” and the little girl led the way upstairs to a back room on the third floor.
“So this is to be our schoolroom, is it, Carrie?” said Florence. “It is a very pleasant room.”
“Yes; but I should have preferred the front chamber. Mamma thought that I might be looking into the street too much. Here there is only a back yard, and nothing to look at.”
“Your mamma seems very judicious,” said Florence, smiling. “Are you fond of study?”
“Well, I ain’t exactly fond, but I will do my best.”
“That is all that can be expected.”