Experience of Miss Gwilt's quickness of
resource in dealing with awkward questions at their introductory
interview decided her on taking the latter course. "I'll get the
particulars from the reference first," thought Mrs. Milroy, "and
then question the creature herself, and see if the two stories
agree."
The letter of inquiry was short, and scrupuously to the point.
Mrs. Milroy began by informing her correspondent that the state
of her health necessitated leaving her daughter entirely under
the governess's influence and control. On that account she was
more anxious than most mothers to be thoroughly informed in every
respect about the person to whom she confided the entire charge
of an only child; and feeling this anxiety, she might perhaps be
excused for putting what might be thought, after the excellent
character Miss Gwilt had received, a somewhat unnecessary
question. With that preface, Mrs. Milroy came to the point, and
requested to be informed of the circumstances which had obliged
Miss Gwilt to go out as a governess.
The letter, expressed in these terms, was posted the same day. On
the morning when the answer was due, no answer appeared.
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