m
I enquired if I could see Mrs. Leighton. The servant replied that she
did not know, but that she would see if her mistress was disengaged.
"What name?" enquired the servant, "Miss Roscom," I replied. The servant
ushered me into the parlor, and left the room. Being left alone, I
amused myself by taking a survey of the apartment. It was evident that I
had entered the abode of luxury and wealth. The sofas and chairs were
covered with rich velvet, while satin curtains draped the windows. An
elegant and costly piano occupied one corner of the room; the walls were
adorned by costly pictures, and on the marble centre-table were many
books in elegant bindings; and rare and exquisite ornaments were
scattered with lavish profusion. Upon the entrance of a tall, and, as I
thought at the time, rather haughty-looking lady, I rose, bowed and
continued standing, as she said,--

"My servant informs me your name is Miss Roscom."

I replied in the affirmative, and added, "I have the pleasure, I
presume, of addressing Mrs. Leighton?"

The lady acknowledged her claim to that name, and I continued,--"Seeing
your advertisement for a governess, I have made bold to apply for the
situation."

The lady bent upon me a searching look, as she replied,--

"Pray be seated Miss, and we will converse upon the matter."

I gladly obeyed her request that I should be seated, for I felt nervous
and agitated. After a moment's silence she addressed me, saying,--

"You look rather young, for the responsible duties of a governess."

I replied that I was not yet nineteen years of age, that I had not as
yet been engaged in teaching, having only myself left school three
months since,--but that I found it necessary that I should do something
for my own support and that of my widowed mother,--and that I would
gladly do my utmost to give satisfaction, could I obtain a situation.

Mrs. Leighton, after a moment's thought, said,--"Although you are young
for the position, your countenance pleases me, and I feel inclined to
give you a trial."

She then informed me that my pupils would consist of two girls, the
eldest twelve, the other ten years of age, also a little boy of seven.
She added, "I had almost forgotten to enquire if you have brought any
references?"

Whereupon I handed her the certificate of qualifications given me by
Mrs. Wentworth when I left school. She looked pleased as she replied,

"Your being for four years a member of Mrs. Wentworth's sc