The Determined Bachelor by Judith Harkness

who seemed to fit every qualification. On the tenth day following the beginningof her search, a Miss Anne Calder took her place on the little sofa where Lady Cardovan was used to interviewing the prospective governesses. Though seeming to answer none of the usual qualifications of her trade, she was modest, intelligent, and amiable. Lady Diana might have said she was much more than that, might indeed have called her charming: but whatever the case, she took an instant liking to the young woman. It may be said that Miss Calder was equally enthusiastic in her reactions to the Countess.
    The interview commenced like all the others. Experience, place of birth, family, and references were inquired into. Miss Calder replied with a delightful ingenuity, seemingly unaware of how different she was from the rank and file of her kind. Her father was a clergyman in Devonshire, she was the second eldest of nine children, four of whom she had tutored until they were sent away to school. Her family had resided for some time in Devonshire, and were a very respectable kind of people—by which Lady Cardovan understood, genteel but rather short of pocket. And no wonder, with nine children, four of them daughters! Miss Calder hinted, without saying it out loud, that she was much depended upon to find a favourable situation.
    â€œBut you have never been a governess before?” inquired Lady Diana.
    Miss Calder looked nervous. She was a very handsome girl, tall without being strapping, with a natural elegance about her features and carriage. Her manner was as unlike that of a governess as her clothes—she was dressed in a pretty muslin frock and had a coloured ribbon in her auburn waves. She seemed unaware that the general demeanor of a governess was meant to be self-effacing and prudish. Her own manner was direct, her gaze frank, and a hint of humour in her voice and eyes appealed at once to her interviewer.
    â€œNo,” she replied, evidently ashamed of the fact, “I have not. But I believe I have had so much experience with children. Your Ladyship——”
    â€œYes, yes—don’t bother to explain. You are certainly better qualified than some women who have spent all their lives tutoring children. You are fond of little girls?”
    â€œVery. And of little boys. So long as they behave themselves and work hard. I believe learning ought to be fun, don’t you?”
    â€œAbsolutely!” Lady Cardovan was delighted.
    â€œI am a great reader, your ladyship, and what I cannot domyself, I am still capable of teaching. Music and drawing are not my own forte, but I know enough to say when something is well done, and when it is not, and to teach the basic principles, even if I cannot apply them with much expertise.”
    What a difference there was here from the women who had filled Lady Diana’s ears with their accomplishments!
    â€œAnd what is your forte?” demanded she.
    Miss Calder seemed to flush. “Literature, Your Ladyship. Also history and geography.”
    â€œDo you read much history?” demanded Her Ladyship keenly.
    â€œDo you mean, have I read your books? Yes, I am a great admirer of yours, but hesitated to say so at once——”
    â€œNever mind, my dear! Save your praise, I beg of you. You need not say you like them.”
    â€œOh, but I do!” exclaimed Miss Calder very warmly. “I like them immensely! They are so very much alive, and quite unlike any other histories I have read, which are often dry, factual, and unadorned by even the slightest attempt at a lively style!”
    Lady Cardovan could scarcely help responding to such warmth and ingenuous enthusiasm. She smiled.
    â€œI am very flattered, Miss Calder. What else do you read?”
    â€œWell,” Miss Calder thought a moment. “I have been reading since I was a child. In general, I have read everything I could get hold of, indiscriminately. I probably should not admit it—but