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"She would sink so low. I know," interrupted the General.

"Sink?..."

"Well, if as you say, she is young, beautiful, pure--or was it poor?--guaranteed unimpeccable, she may as well sink in here."

"When things sink they settle down," added the General, helping himself to marmalade, "and what we particularly want is someone to settle down with Anthony before we go away."

"Yes, I'll write and ask her to come and see me," said Lady Calderton.

"Would you care to interview her too, Arthur?" she added.

"Rather," replied the General. "In view of Lady Jane's unusual recommendation, yes. I wonder if she's beautiful as well as impeachable."

"Lady Jane didn't say that, dear. Her writing is good and it is perfectly distinct. 'Unimpeccable.'"

"Good enough," smiled the General, passing his coffee cup. "Especially if she's at all good-looking too."

Miss Mary Stuart, so far as her new employers could see, was the Compleat Governess. Apparently perfect. So much so, that General Sir Arthur Calderton said she was too good to last, too good to be true. Such things and such governesses didn't happen to people who, about to go abroad, had to leave their adored only child in the care of a stranger. Most undoubtedly a gentlewoman of definitely pleasing exterior and address, of admirable manner and manners, and obviously of quite sufficient erudition, she proved moreover to be a genuine enthusiast, almost a fanatic, in the pursuit and exercise of her profession.