"Thirty pounds a year," said Tinker; and then he added hastily, "Of
course it's very little; but really the work would be quite light, and
we should try and make things pleasant for her."
"But surely, for a governess without certificates, that is a very good
salary; isn't it, Madame Butler?"
"It is, indeed," said Madame Butler.
"It can't be, really," said Tinker. "But I suppose people are mean."
"Well, it would satisfy me," said the pretty young lady. "But
unfortunately I am an American, and you want an Englishwoman."
"I only don't want a foreigner," said Tinker. "I should be awfully
pleased if you would take the post."
"The pleasure will be mine," said the pretty young lady. "And about
references? I'm afraid I cannot get them in less than ten days."
"Pardon," said Tinker. "Your face, if you will excuse my saying so, is
reference enough."
The pretty young lady flushed with pleasure, and said, "That is very
nice of you, but your father might think them necessary."
"This is my show--I mean, this matter is entirely in my hands; I look
after Elsie altogether. And I think we might consider it settled. My
name is Hildebrand Anne Beauleigh."
"Oh, you are the boy who borrowed the flying-machine!"
Tinker was charmed that she should take the right view of the matter;
he found that so many people, including the bulk of the English,
American, and Continental Press, were disposed, in an unintelligent
way, to regard him as having stolen it.
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