Miss Ram entered the details in a severe-looking book with a long thin
pen--could hold out but faint hopes. The applicants whom she was
accustomed to suit were "in nine and ninety cases out of one hundred
cases" accomplished in the domestic or scholastic arts. However. Yes,
Miss Humfray should call every morning. Better still, stay in the
waiting-room. Be On the Spot--that was the first requisite for
success, as Miss Humfray would find whether in a situation or awaiting
a situation; be On the Spot.



IX.

On the Spot. A nightmare week in the dingy waiting-room ... thoughts
probing the mind, stabbing the heart.... Nine till one, a cup of tea
and a roll at an A.B.C. shop, an aimless walk in the park; two till
six, good-night to the stout young woman named Miss Porter in
"Enquiries," home to the rattling mews and to Missus.

On the Spot. Occasional interviews. "Miss Humfray, a lady will see
you." ... "Oh, too young--far too young." ... "Thank you, that will
do, Miss Humfray." ... "Oh, not my style at all." ... "Thank you, that
will do, Miss Humfray."

On the Spot. Fortunately On the Spot one day--a Mrs. Eyton-Eyton, as
nursery governess, Streatham.

For a week very much On the Spot with Mrs. Eyton-Eyton. Nursery
governess was a comprehensive word in the Eyton-Eyton vocabulary;