Read The Isadora Interviews for Free Online Page A

rosebush, or something like that. Gardens are my favorite.”
    “Have you learned any of the ancient languages?”
    “No.” Camille shrugged. “I don’t see the point. We only speak the common language in Hansham and most of the Central Network.”
    “How about divination?”
    “Not really.” Camille’s eyes widened. “But that might be a fun thing to learn as well! Maybe it would help me make better decisions. Bettina says I’m terrible at making logical decisions.”
    “Logic doesn’t always lead us down the right path,” Isadora said, folding her veiny hands on her lap. “Tell me about Miss Kathy’s. Mr. Hymas told me that you work in the bakery. Have you worked there for long?”
    “Oh, yes!” Camille beamed. “I love working at Miss Kathy’s bakery. I started a couple of years ago, at least. I had just moved here and was having a terrible time. I missed my parents so much. Miss Kathy knocked right on our door and said she needed help with deliveries. I wanted to get out of my aunts’ stuffy house, and Bettina consented immediately.”
    Isadora’s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. She paused for a moment with a thoughtful expression and then straightened up in her chair. The feather stopped writing.
    “You seem to really love the bakery,” she observed.
    Camille put her hands to her flushed cheeks, eyes alight. “Oh yes! Miss Kathy named me her official sampler, you know. She lets me try a little taste of just about every batch of whatever she makes, but she won’t let me work in the back yet. Says I’m not ready.”
    Isadora smiled and the feather laid down on top of the diary, which closed over it. Camille didn’t notice.
    “Why not?”
    Camille let out another hefty sigh that tossed her bangs from her face. “I burned some cookies. Actually, I burned seven batches of cookies. But it was an accident!” she insisted. “I didn’t know the oven got so hot!”
    Isadora opened her mouth to speak but didn’t have the chance.
    “But she did say that I have a good sense of taste,” Camille rushed to explain, lest Isadora think her incompetent. “Plus, I have a regular delivery route to some of the older people who live out in cottages and can’t walk in every week. Everyone comes to the bakery. I think it’s because of all the candy at the front. Most of the children like the sour candy best, but I like the lollipops. I know everyone in Hansham, you know.”
    Isadora smiled in an offhand way. “Yes, well, I think I’ve heard enough to make my decision,” she announced.
    Camille’s stomach lurched, pulling her down from her happy world at the bakery and back to reality. “O-oh, yes,” she stuttered, folding her suddenly cold hands in her lap. “Okay.”
    “I’m always completely honest with my applicants,” Isadora said, looking Camille straight in the eye. “Academically, you are not a good choice based on what I can see in regards to your current level of education. Miss Mabel’s is a very difficult school as far as the curriculum is concerned. There are many witches who simply can’t keep up with the school work and expectations.”
    A cold feeling welled up in Camille’s chest. It reminded her of the fear she first felt when she saw her parents lying in their graves.
    “Your ability to concentrate is weak. As you said, you’re prone to fits of daydreaming, emotion, and apathy. And there are many things at Miss Mabel’s that you will not be interested in learning.” A small smile came to Isadora’s face. “Algebra included.”
    Camille looked down at her hands.
    “You also rely on other people more than most, which dependency is not a trait of most girls at the school. I’ve seen it work out in a few cases, but most girls who attend Miss Mabel’s are self-motivated, organized, and driven.”
    Bettina’s words came back with haunting clarity.
    Otherwise it’ll be just your usual chaotic madness and you’ll have no motivation.
    Camille couldn’t bear to look up,