Mrs. Presty listened with an appearance of the deepest interest. “Quite a novelty in the way of a governess,” she said. “May I ask what her name is?”
“Sydney Westerfield.”
Mrs. Presty looked at her daughter and smiled satirically.
Mrs. Linley remonstrated.
“Surely,” she said, “you don’t object to the young lady’s name!”
“I have no opinion to offer, Catherine. I don’t believe in the name.”
“Oh, mamma, do you suspect that it’s an assumed name?”
“My dear, I haven’t a doubt that it is. May I ask another question?” the old lady continued, turning to Linley. “What references did Miss Westerfield give you?”
“No references at all.”
Mrs. Presty rose with the alacrity of a young woman, and hurried to the door. “Follow my example,” she said to her daughter, on her way out. “Lock up your jewel-box.”