Grey went out and met her in the hall.
"You are the lady whom my sister-in-law engaged as governess?"
"Yes, ma'am. And you are Mrs. Grey?" peering at her with some
curiosity; for, as every body knew every thing in Avonsbridge, no
doubt Miss Bennett was perfectly well aware that Dr. Grey's young
wife was the _ci-devant_ governess at Mr. Ferguson's.
"Will you walk up into my room? I wanted a word with you before
lessons."
"Certainly, Mrs. Grey. I hope you are quite satisfied with my
instruction of Miss Grey. Indeed, my recommendations--as I told Miss
Gascoigne--include some of the very first families--"
"I have no doubt Miss Gascoigne was satisfied," interrupted Mrs. Grey,
not quite liking the flippant manner, the showy style of dress, and the
air, at once subservient and forward; in truth, something which, despite
her prettiness, stamped the governess as underbred, exactly what Aunt
Henrietta had said--"not a lady."
"Your qualifications for teaching I have no wish to investigate; what I
have to speak about is a totally different thing."
Miss Bennett looked uneasy for a minute, but Christian's manner was
so studiously polite, even kindly, that she seemed to think nothing
could be seriously wrong. She sat down composedly on the crimson
sofa, and began investigating, with admiring, curious, and rather
envious eyes, the handsome room, half boudoir, half bed-chamber.
Pages:
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177