Annie answered she had not, but that at home, while her father was alive, she had done so much of the same sort that she believed she could speedily learn all that was necessary.
“I thought someone told me,” said the lady, who was one of the greatest gossips in the town, “that you were one of the teachers in the High School?”
“That is true,” answered Annie; “I was doing so upon probation; but I had not yet begun to receive any salary for it. I was only a sort of apprentice to the work, and under no engagement.”
Mrs. Macintosh, after regarding Annie for some time, and taking silent observation of her modesty and good-breeding, said at last:
“I like the look of you, Miss ⸻, Miss ⸻”
“My name is Annie Melville.”
“Well, Annie, I confess I do not indeed see anything particularly unsuitable in you, but at the same time I cannot help fearing you may be—or, I should say rather, may imagine yourself—superior to what may be required of you.”
“Oh, no, ma’am!” answered Annie; “I assure you I am too poor to think of any such thing! Indeed, I am so anxious to make money at once that, if you would consent to give me a trial, I should be ready to come to you this very evening.”
“You will have no wages before the end of your six months.”
“I understand, ma’am.”
“It is a risk to take you without a character.”