Intro. I arrived with mud on my shoes. They told me that it was an elegant house, of noble people. But they didn't say it was her.
She was sitting at the piano, drinking tea. He didn't look up when I entered. He just spoke.
"Are you the new girl?"
I said yes. He didn't answer me right away. He put down the cup. He turned.
"Stand up straight." Look straight ahead. And don't speak unless asked.
I watched her in silence. Not a wrinkle in the dress. Not a single emotion on his face.
"I expect punctuality, silence, and obedience. I don't tolerate mistakes. No excuses.
He got up. He walked around me as if assessing a broken piece.
"The stairs, the dining room, the rooms. Everything should be clean before nightfall. And don't even think about entering my room.
He stopped right in front of me.
—There are no prizes here for doing the right thing. I only punish if you don't.
And he left.