"I have been pupil teacher at my last school for over a year," said Florence.
"Ah, and where was your school?"
Florence mentioned it.
"Have you ever got into any scrape of any sort, been a naughty girl, or anything of that kind? I have to make most searching enquiries."
"Why do you ask?" said Florence. She coloured first, and then turned very pale.
Mrs. Fleming gazed at her with hawk-like eyes.
"Why don't you answer?"
"Because I cannot see," replied Florence, with some spirit, "that you have any right to ask me the question. I can give you excellent testimonials from the mistress of the school where I was living."
"That will not do. I find that nothing so influences youth as that the instructress should give an epitome of her own life, should be able plainly to show how she has conquered temptation, and risen even above the appearance of evil. If there is a flaw in the governess, there will also be a flaw in the pupils—understand, eh?"
"Yes, madam," said Florence; "I am afraid your post won't suit me. I have certainly a great many flaws; I never supposed you wanted a perfect governess."