“What did she say of me?”
“That, perhaps, you had better not inquire.”
“I prefer to know the worst.”
“She said you encouraged the attentions of her nephew, forgetting the difference in social position, and also that your connections were not of a sort to recommend you. I admit, Miss Linden, that you are very ladylike in appearance, but, I can hardly be expected to admit into my house, in the important position of governess to my child, the daughter or niece of an apple-woman.”
“Did Mrs. Leighton say that I was related to an apple-woman?”
“Yes, Miss Linden. I own I was surprised.”
“It is not true, Mrs. Cole.”
“You live in the house of such a person, do you not?”
“Yes, she is an humble friend of mine, and has been kind to me.”
“You cannot be very fastidious. However, that is your own affair. I am sorry to disappoint you, Miss Linden, but it will be quite impossible for me to employ you.”