“You will be surprised, Mrs. Leighton, when I say that Mr. de Brabazon and I are old friends. We have met frequently.”
“Where, in Heaven’s name?” ejaculated Mrs. Leighton.
“At my residence.”
“Good Heavens!” exclaimed the scandalized lady. “Does my nephew Percy visit at the house of this apple-woman?”
“No, madam. He does not know where I live.”
“Then you will explain your previous statement?” said Mrs. Leighton, haughtily.
“I am at present suffering reversed circumstances. It is but a short time since I was very differently situated.”
“I won’t inquire into your change of circumstances. I feel compelled to perform an unpleasant duty.”
Florence did not feel called upon to make any reply, but waited for Mrs. Leighton to finish speaking.
“I shall be obliged to dispense with your services as my daughter’s governess. It is quite out of the question for me to employ a person who lives in a tenement-house.”