The teaching set-up filled me with fear. I should have to divide the class into three groups and teach them in turn at three different levels; and I was dismayed at the thought of teaching algebra and geometry-two subjects at which I had been completely incompetent at school. Worse perhaps was the idea of Saturday afternoon cricket（倒装句）; most of my friends would be enjoying leisure at that time.

I said shyly, 'What would my salary be?' 'Twelve pounds a week plus lunch.' Before I could protest, he got to his feet站起来. 'Now', he said, 'you'd better meet my wife. She's the one who really runs this school.'

This was the last straw. I was very young: the prospect of working under a woman constituted the ultimate indignity.

set-up
n. arrangement
dismay
vt. make discouraged or afraid 使灰心，使害怕
algebra
n. 代数学
geometry
n. 几何学
incompetent
a. completely unskillful; not good enough at doing a job, etc. 无能力的；不胜任的
competent
a. opposite of incompetent
leisure
n. free time; time which one can spend as one likes 闲暇；悠闲
salary
n. fixed (usually monthly) pay for regular work 薪水
plus
prep. with the addition of 加（上）
protest
vi. express a strong objection 抗议；反对
straw
n. 稻草；麦杆
prospect
vi. sth. expected or considered probable; possibility 期望中的事；展望；前景
constitute
vt. form; make up; be 组成，构成
ultimate
a. greatest; utmost; last or final 最大的；终极的，最终的
indignity
n. injury to one's dignity; insult 侮辱