Mrs. Castlemaine held the letters still in her hand; and by the expression of her countenance, bent upon the contents, he could perceive there was some annoyance.
"This governess does not do; it is as bad as the last. She lacked music; this one lacks French. Is it not provoking, James?"
Mr. Castlemaine took up the letters and read them.
"I should say she is just the sort of governess for Flora," he observed. "The testimonials are excellent."
"But her want of French! Did you not observe that?"
"I don't know that French is of so much consequence for Flora as the getting a suitable person to control her. One who will hold her under firm discipline. As it is, she is being ruined."
"French not of consequence for Flora!" repeated Mrs. Castlemaine. "What can you mean, James?"
"I said it was not of so much consequence, relatively speaking. Neither is it."
"And while Ethel's French is perfect!"
"What has that to do with it?"