I fancy he has a hard life of it . Mrs. Kirke asked me if I would n't go down to the five o'clock dinner , and feeling a little bit homesick , I thought I would , just to see what sort of people are under the same roof with me . So I made myself respectable and tried to slip in behind Mrs. Kirke , but as she is short and I 'm tall , my efforts at concealment were rather a failure . She gave me a seat by her , and after my face cooled off , I plucked up courage and looked about me . The long table was full , and every one intent on getting their dinner , the gentlemen especially , who seemed to be eating on time , for they bolted in every sense of the word , vanishing as soon as they were done . There was the usual assortment of young men absorbed in themselves , young couples absorbed in each other , married ladies in their babies , and old gentlemen in politics . I do n't think I shall care to have much to do with any of them , except one sweetfaced maiden lady , who looks as if she had something in her . Cast away at the very bottom of the table was the Professor , shouting answers to the questions of a very inquisitive , deaf old gentleman on one side , and talking philosophy with a Frenchman on the other . If Amy had been here , she 'd have turned her back on him forever because , sad to relate , he had a great appetite , and shoveled in his dinner in a manner which would have horrified ` her ladyship ' . I did n't mind , for I like ` to see folks eat with a relish ' , as Hannah says , and the poor man must have needed a deal of food after teaching idiots all day . As I went upstairs after dinner , two of the young men were settling their hats before the hall mirror , and I heard one say low to the other , `` Who 's the new party ? '' `` Governess , or something of that sort . '' `` What the deuce is she at our table for ? '' `` Friend of the old lady 's . '' `` Handsome head , but no style . '' `` Not a bit of it . Give us a light and come on . '' I felt angry at first , and then I did n't care , for a governess is as good as a clerk , and I 've got sense , if I have n't style , which is more than some people have , judging from the remarks of the elegant beings who clattered away , smoking like bad chimneys . I hate ordinary people ! Thursday Yesterday was a quiet day spent in teaching , sewing , and writing in my little room , which is very cozy , with a light and fire .
I picked up a few bits of news and was introduced to the XXXXX .
Amy Kirke Professor day deuce fire idiots ladyship o'clock smoking