The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1856-07-16
WILL is POWER.

How frequently we hear doubts expressed
as to the possibility Of acquiring knowledge
without assistance!
One morning in the year l849, d young
peasant girl obtained an interview with the
great yicaire of the cathedral Of one Of the
western cities Of France. In manner that
was at once modest and firm, she told him
that having heard Of his kindness in produ-
cling situations for governesses, she had come
to him in the hope of obtaining some employ
ment.
t" But, my child" replied the venerable
Able, you cannot teach without diploma,
and in order to obtain diploma, you NEST
go through an examination. What instruc-
ton have you received!"
!" In my childhood, Monsieur l. Able, /
learned to read and write, and then SER
we'd my apprenticeship 10 a mantuamaker.
! am now constantly employed in working
with my needle, aud earn about three pence
day; but this does not do, and SO wish to
become goyerness."
.'My pnOr child, TO read aud write il some
Thing, tits true; but this does not enough.
You must know how to spell and you must
know grammar, geography, aud something
more than the first four rules Of arithmetic,
all thoroughly, and you must also have some
idea Of composition"
think, Monsieur L Abbe, that could
pass an examination in these things tolera,
| bly, well Tor when my DAYS work was over,
have always devoted part of tie night to
studying the books which contriyed To buy
out Of my savings. On Sandays, too, could
read. have come On purpose TO beg that
you will be 50 good as TO examine me whe,h.
er may hope TO obtain the diploma Of the
first degree"
"The first degree but you do not know
what IL is, my ponr chiid; it would be inn
possible. The examination is very difficult; !;
you must know arithmetic perfectly, also
something Of geometry and cosnography; you
mustunderstand music, both singing aud play
ing on an instrument. Ii is not likely YOU
have learned the piano or the harp"
have not; but, Monsieur L Able, does
the law say positively the piano or the harp!p
. Mo- the law says simply il is necessary
to know enough Of music 10 be able to PLAY
ON an Instrument. Those mentioned are
most usually learned at schools, that is the
reason named them; but | think that per-
liaps they might be satisfied with the guitar"
/. Well, Monsieur, as the law does not
name any particular instrument, am salts.
fled, for have taught myself TO play on one
instrument"
' And what is that ~
Here il ISL aud tie girl took from her
pocket a-faseolet.
AZ this sight the Able burst into peal Of
laughter. She coioured deeply but i'm -
ming. no doubt, that he did not believe in
her musical powers, she raised the instru-
ment to her lips and the Able stood amazed.
The excellent priest, who had himself been
one Of tile people, judged rightly that peas.
ant who had taught herself not only to play,
but to play 50 we'll, could not be an ortlna-
~ person. He asked her age. She was twen-
~ five.
"l will examine YOU now," said lie.
The replies Of the Young peasant were as
tnnishing and he wondered, but in silence,
al the knowledge which this poor country
dressmaker had obtained BY her own unalded
cfioris.
" You may," he said, "with perfect con-
/ iidcnce present yourself before the commits.
sion Of examiners; will arrange that YOU
shall not be required TO PLAY. This ilageo.
let, on which you perform 50 well, would
excite Laughter aud witticisn, which must be
avoided"
The young peasant went before the com
missioners, aud all were amazed at the va.
riety of real and profound knoaledsc which
she had acquired in her evenings, aud pom.
dered on during her long days Of toll. Re-
ccived BY acclamations. she nov December,
1850 is at the head Of M establishment.
We have heard this story related both hs
! the grand ,icaire. and by lady. the intimate
friend Of our heroine, who has often heard her
say to her pupils" WILL Is PuwGR."
Biekeesfeih's IIsifor.