I was afraid that the room, and everything in it, was a dream." She looked round, and started to her feet.

"Oh, here's a lady! Shall I go away ?" The curtains hanging over the entrance to the library were opened for the second time.

With composure and dignity, the lady who had startled Sydney entered the room.
"Have you been reading in the library ?" Mrs.Linley asked.

And Mrs.
Presty answered: "No, Catherine; I have been listening." Mrs.Linley looked at her mother; her lovely complexion reddened with a deep blush.
"Introduce me to Miss Westerfield," Mrs.Presty proceeded, as coolly as ever.
Mrs.Linley showed some hesitation.

What would the governess think of her mother?
Perfectly careless of what the governess might think, Mrs.
Presty crossed the room and introduced herself.
"Miss Westerfield, I am Mrs.Linley's mother.