The governess claims that she never harassed the children with accusations
of having seen the ghosts or of any wrongdoing, but Flora's reply when
"finally" confronted tells us differently. When the governess screams at her
that "Miss Jessel is there!! She's there, she's there, she's there, and you
know it!!" Flora's anger finally takes over. "I don't know what you mean! I
see nobody! I see nothing! I never have! I think you're cruel! I don't like
you!" (James 389). This outburst surely suggests that the accusations have
been many and often. Flora's protest "I never have!" Tells us that this
conversation has taken place many times before. It's no wonder Flora doesn't
like the governess. The constant watching and accusations must have frazzled
her nerves beyond repair. She is right, the governess is cruel.
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