In the first part of the novel, Maud's father hires a French governess, Madame de la Rougierre, as a companion for her. Madame terrifies Maud and appears to have designs on her: during two of their walks together, Maud is brought into suspicious contact with strangers that seem to be known to Madame.
In the beginning of the novel, Maud's father hires a French governess, Madame de la Rougierre, to look after her. However, Madame frightens Maud and seems to have ulterior motives for being there. During two walks with her, Maud is brought into contact with strangers who appear to be connected to Madame.