Viola's instinct was to make a politic and noncommittal comment. But she had decided, or perhaps realised, that she liked Galatea, and the noncommittal answer was not one Viola would offer a friend.
"The Headmistress is very concerned about appearances. This may be because she is young and her family is not as well-connected as Headmaster Black's was." Viola's eyes narrowed a little at the mention of the old b*****d, whom she'd liked no better than any of the rest of the people who'd had to deal with him. Surely Black would go down in history as the most detested Headmaster the school ever had the misfortune to be led by. "His influence still lingers and that makes things difficult for her. It's something I try to remember when I find myself wondering at her actions."