The scene opens with a conversation between the Governess and a gentleman. The Governess tells the gentleman that he is a "top class" man and that he has invited her to meet him. The gentleman replies that he did not ask her to come, but that she had sent out a "smile" after seeing her. He says that he was looking forward to seeing someone like her and that she would bring more ex-perience to the industry. He also says that his wife, Mary, will soon be starting her new job in the same industry. The man says that Mary is doing well, and he prays that she will not need to pray for her success