"A serious person," she said, "and strong?"
"Because I must earn my own living," said Robin. "I must be strong
enough to take care of myself. I am going to be a governess--or
something."
Here, it was revealed to Mademoiselle as in a flash, was the reason
why she had applied herself with determination to her studies. This
had been the object in view. For reasons of her own, she intended
to earn her living. With touched interest, Mademoiselle Valle
waited, wondering if she would be frank about the reason. She
merely said aloud:
"A governess?"
"Perhaps there may be something else I can do. I might be a
secretary or something like that. Girls and women are beginning
to do so many new things," her charge explained herself. "I do not
want to be--supported and given money. I mean I do not want--other
people--to buy my clothes and food--and things. The newspapers are
full of advertisements. I could teach children. I could translate
business letters. Very soon I shall be old enough to begin. Girls
in their teens do it."
She had laid some of her cards on the table, but not all, poor
child. She was not going into the matter of her really impelling
reasons. But Mademoiselle Valle was not dull, and her affection
added keenness to her mental observations. Also she had naturally
heard the story of the Thorpe lawsuit from Dowson. Inevitably
several points suggested themselves to her.
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