“And you really have no special qualifications for the position of a traveling companion?”
“No, sir.”
“Are you acquainted with any of the modern languages?”
“I can read French pretty easily.”
Mr. Cunningham looked pleased.
“That will be a help,” he said. “Do you speak it at all?”
“Just a little. I wrote French exercises, and had a few lessons in French conversation. Of course, I have very small claim to the place, but it is quite important for me to find employment, and an American lady—a teacher—suggested to me to apply.”
“Then your means are limited? Have you parents?”
“No, sir; I am quite alone in the world.”
“How did you chance to come to England?”