"I am glad to find you punctual, Miss Linden," said Mrs. Leighton, as Florence was ushered into her presence. "This is your pupil, my daughter, Carrie." Florence smiled and extended her hand. "I hope we will like each other," she said. The little girl eyed her with approval. This beautiful young lady was a pleasant surprise to her, for, never having had a governess, she expected to meet a stiff, elderly lady, of stern aspect. She readily gave her hand to Florence, and looked relieved. "Carrie," said Mrs. Leighton, "you may show Miss Linden the way to the schoolroom." "All right, mamma," and the little girl led the way upstairs to a back room on the third floor. "So this is to be our schoolroom, is it, Carrie?" said Florence. "It is a very pleasant room." "Yes; but I should have preferred the front chamber. Mamma thought that I might be looking into the street too much. Here there is only a back yard, and nothing to look at." "Your mamma seems very judicious," said Florence, smiling. "Are you fond of study?" "Well, I ain't exactly fond, but I will do my best." "That is all that can be expected." "Do you know, Miss Linden, you don't look at all like I expected." "Am I to be glad or sorry for that?" "I thought you would be an old maid, stiff and starched, like May Robinson's governess." "I am not married, Carrie, so perhaps you may regard me as an old maid." "You'll never be an old maid," said Carrie, confidently. "You are too young and pretty." "Thank you, Carrie," said Florence, with a little blush. "You say that, I hope, because you are going to like me." "I like you already," said the little girl, impulsively. "I've got a cousin that will like you, too."