“Yes, if I do…?”

“You will be amazed by the little boy!”

“Well, I think that’s why I came here—to be amazed. But I’m afraid, I’m easily amazed. I was amazed in London!”

I can still see Mrs. Grose’s wide face as she understood. “In Harley Street?”

“In Harley Street.”

“Well, miss, you’re not the first—and you won’t be the last.”

“Oh, I don’t want to be the only one. My other student, as I understand, returns tomorrow?”

“Not tomorrow—Friday, miss. He arrives, like you did, by the carriage, with the guard, and will be picked up by the same car.”

I quickly said that it would be nice for me to wait for him with his little sister when the car arrives. Mrs. Grose agreed with this idea so easily that I took her manner as a promise that we would always agree on everything. She was happy that I was there!

The next day, I suppose I didn’t feel as happy as when I arrived. Maybe it was just a slight feeling of being overwhelmed as I walked around my new surroundings. They were bigger than I expected, which made me a little scared but also proud. Lessons were delayed because of this. I realized that the most important thing was to win the child’s trust, so I spent the day with her outside. I let her show me the place, and she was pleased by it. She showed me every step, room, and secret, telling me funny and pleasant stories about them. In just half an hour, we became great friends. Even though she was young, I was amazed by her confidence and bravery. Even in empty rooms, long hallways, and crooked stairs that made me stop, and even on top of a tall tower that made me dizzy, she was happy and eager[10] to tell me more things.

The first day had been mostly calming, as I said before, but it ended with a feeling of worry. The mail, which arrived late that evening, had a letter for me. However, when I saw that it was from my employer, I realized it was only a few words about another letter addressed to him, which was still unopened. “I see that this is from the headmaster, and the headmaster is very annoying. Please read it and deal with it, but make sure you don’t tell me anything. Not a word. I’m off!” I made a great effort to open the letter—it took me a long time to do it. Finally, I brought the unopened letter to my room and only read it just before going to bed. I should have waited until morning because it caused me another sleepless night. The next day, feeling upset and with no one to ask for advice, I decided to talk with Mrs. Grose.

“What does it mean? The child’s dismissed from school.”

She gave me a strange look, then seemed to try to take it back. “But aren’t they all—?”

“Sent home—yes. But only for the holidays. Miles may never go back at all.”

She blushed, “They won’t take him?”

“They absolutely won’t.”

At this she raised her eyes, which she had turned from me; I saw them fill with tears. “What has he done?”

I wasn’t sure, so I decided to give her my letter. This made her put her hands behind her without taking it. She sadly shook her head and said, “Such things are not for me, miss.”

My friend couldn’t read! I winced[11] at my mistake, but tried to make it better. I opened my letter to read it to her, but then I stopped and put it back in my pocket.

“Is he really bad?” The tears were still in her eyes. “Do the gentlemen say so?”

“They don’t say any details. They simply say that it should be impossible to keep him. That can have only one meaning.” Mrs. Grose listened quietly, and didn’t ask me what that might mean. So, to make sense of it in my own mind with her help, I continued: “That he spoils other children.”