'Very unexpectedly.'
Another pause.
'I happened unluckily to have begun my journey before I learnt that it was unnecessary.'
'That was a pity.'
'I hope she is not likely to be long absent?'
'Indeed there is no saying.'
'Perhaps she may not choose that I should wait her return?'
'Really I can't tell.'
Until this hour, I had never known what it was to shrink before the repulse of frozen reserve; for the cordiality which had once been obtained for me by the gifts of nature or of fortune had of late been secured to me by partial affection and Christian benevolence. My temper began to rebel; but struggles with my temper were now habitual with me. I drew a long breath, and renewed my animating dialogue. 'May I ask whether, in case Mrs Murray should not want my services, you think I am likely to find employment here as a governess?'
'Indeed I don't know. Few people like to take entire strangers into their families.'