Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1856-06-06
WILL IS POWER


pressed as to the possibility Of acquiring
knowledge without assistancel
One morning in the year 1919, 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 procuring situations for gov
emesses, shehad come TO him. in the hope
of Obtaining some employment.
9 8at nv elsl1 :, r,.s.li.a.l 4s,.. .,.a..a...l,
able, you cannot teach without a diplo-
ma; and in orler 10 obtain diploma,
you must so through an examination.-
What instruction have you receivedf
IN my childhood, Monsieur TAbbe,
1 learned to read and write, and then I
served my apprenticeship to man'ua-
maker. ] am now constantly employed
in working with my needle, and earn
about three pence day; bat this does
no, do, and so wish to become a gov
elness."
Ny poor child, to read and write is
something, it is true; but it is not enough.
You must know how to spell and YOU
must know grammar, geography. and
something more than the first four rules
of arithmetic, all thoroughly; and you
must also have some idea of compost
ton"
I think, Monsieur PAbbe, that 1 could
pass an examination in these things tol-
erably well; for when my days work
was over, have always devoted part of
the night to studying Tie books which /
contrived to buy out Of my savings. On
Sundays, too, could read. ! have come
on purpose to beg that you will be SO
= good as to examine me, and tell me
whether l may hope to obtain the diplo-
, ma of the first degree
"The first degree! but you do not
r know what il is my poor child; it would
: be impossible. The examination is very
difficult you must know arithmetic per
iectly, also something of geometry and
g coamography; you must understand mu-
sic, both singing aud playing on IN in
strument. 1t Is not likely you have
: learned the Pianoor Ge harp
" I have not; but, Monsieur PAbbe.
= does the law say positively the piano OF
+ the harp?'
l. "No! the law says simply that it is
7 necessary to know enough of music to be
+ able to play on an instrument. Those !
+ mentioned are most usually learned at
c schools, that is the reason / named them
but l think that perhaps they might be
c satisfied with the guitar"
II Well, Monsieur, as the law does not
b name any particular instrument, am
S satisfied, for have taught myself to play
e on one instrument"
!, "And what is that?"
1t Here it is" and the girl took from
o her pocket a-fageolet.
o AT this sight the Able burst into a peal
IS Of laughter. She colored deeply; but
IS imagining, no doubt, that he did not be
it lieyc in her musical powers, she raised
e the instrument to her lips and the Abbc
a stood amazed.
T. The excellent priest, who had himself
l. been one Of the people, JUDGED rightly
o that peasant, who had taught herself
not only to play, but to play 50 well
j. could be no ordinary person. lie asked
's her age. She was twenty-five.
y Il viii examine you now,7 said he.
The replies Of the young peasant wero
y astonishing and he wondered, bat in ST.
: lence, at the knowledge which this poor
country dress-mazer had obtained By her
, own uuaided efforts.
= You may" he said, with perfect
confidence present yourself before the
! commission Of examiners; ] viii arrange
that you shall not be required to play
- This hageolet, on which you perform 81
well, would excite laughter and witt
cisms which must be avoided"
IuI The young peasant went before tho
r. commissioners, and al we're amazed a
i the variety Of real aud profound knowl
n, edge which she had acquired in her eve.
.e nings, aud poadered on during her long
y days Of toll Received By aeclamation
. she now is at the head Of an establish
O. ment.
a- We have heard ihis story related both
2 BY the grand vicaire, and BY lady, the
q, intimate friend Of our heroine, who La.
1f often heard her say to her pupils, VIII
.e Is PowEa.7
oil ToBAcco-The distinguished DR.
Warren, Of Boston, says, In the eours,
Of my experience and observation, ] hag,