Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1882-09-29
Mrs. MONTAGU,s COVERINGS.



Pleasing story OF Domestic Interest
].
Harry sat on the hearth-rug tormonting
IN unlucky kitten; Dollie, Teddy, and
Tim, in the window recess, were enacting
the story of Daniel in the lion Is den, but
departing from the text of the scripture
narrative, inasmuch as the lions, Teddy,
and Tim, were commencing to gnaw Dan
icl, each having introduced fat little arm
into his mouth, against which innovation
their victim was protesting with all the
power of his lungs, not altogether, it is
to be feared, upon the ground of princi-
pie. Guy stood beside the table learning
II spelling lesson at the top of his voice,
cloth, was creeping along with n big pin,
which would presently make acquaint-
ance with the calves Of Guy legs. Their
their midst, the baby ON her lap rafting
n big bunch of keys.
At last the pin reached its destination,
and the youthful operator was fully re-
wardcd for any slight expenditure of
trouble, for Master Guy jumped at least a
foot high, and shrieked enough to bring
the house down. The noise so startled
Harry that he dropped the cat, which
deep scratch upon the young hero's hand
long and sore, and the poor frightened
baby, letting fall the keys walled in har-
mony--or out of it while poor Mrs.
Montague would have liked to shed tears
also.
In time all the noisy little mischief
makers were dispatched to bed, but was
was worn out pale, and fearful ut the end
of the day?
81 suppose those young rebels have
been half killing You ?" began her hus-
band, rs soon rs the dinner was over and
the pair were left alone. 81 have no
doubt that Ethel has been feeding the
baby with ashes, Guy and Harry having
stand-up fight, and all the rest making
noise enough for Bedlam."
This picture was so far below the reali-
ty that Mrs Montagu discreetly fore
bore to make any reply.
well something must be DONE I've
spoken of it before, and now the thing
shall be DONE" resumed the oracle.
well have governess for them"
-AfANs iAoi'S Ai'hi iiis pCut, 4tiI Vhou-
tagu reached paper, pen, and ink, and
forthwith drew up mn advertisement,
which he read aloud:
"Wanted, n Govcrness. Learning and
accomplishments of no consequence
strength of arm the only indispensable
qualification. Apply etc
"Robert state the facts sweet and
talented children, but their education
rather neglected.
"Humph p calculated the husband, in
tone that savored OF skepticism.
1t was according to the notions of Meth
er parent precisely that the notice was
eventually drawn up but one was ut last
written out and despatched by that very
nights post, and in due course it appear
ed in the columns of the Times newspa-
per.
To that advertisement in the course of
the next few days exactly eighty-four re-
plies were received, and what the ulti-
mate decision would have been it would
be hard to say but for the intervention of
chance circumstance.
One afternoon rs Mrs. Montagu sat in
the dining-room, for the twentieth time
turning over the various letters of appli-
cation, servant entered, carrying upon
his tray lady's visiting card, bearing the
words, Miss Marion Lockhart."
1t was the name of one of ike appli-
cants for the situation of governess.
Good gracious Will the whole eighty
four call ?" exclaimed Mrs. MontaglI,
and in her dismay would have gone
straight off into II fainting fit, but, that
there was no person Mt hand to recover
her; so, postponing the troublesome
ceremony, she hastcned to the drawing
room to her visitor. ''Pray sit down."
she said indicating n chair near the fire.
while she herself sank upon couch OPP
posite.
'Thank You l have ventured to call
because l cannot afford delay in finding
fresh situation, replied the stranger, tim
IDLY. hope it does not inconvenience
You to see me. ="
mot i'll the least. l am glad you have
called, replied the elder lady, who was
pleased with her new acquaintance. The
girls pleasant, well-modulated voice and
graceful manner We're attractive her
dress was simple and neat, and her face,
Mrs. Montagu came to the conclusion. |
was without exception the most beautiful
she had ever seen. In repose it was sad,
as though its owner, yonng as she was, |
had known sorrow, and suffering in no |
measure.
Miss Lockhart at once proceeded to |
state her qualifications. These were per-
fectly satisfactory, and just as the young
lady was concluding her story, Mrs. Mon
tagu heard welcome sound in the hall.
1t was her husbands step, and his return
from town at the moment was most op-
perfume. Excnsing herself briefly to her
visitor, Mrs. Montagu flew to consult with
her husbapd.
After hearing her account of the candi-
late, Robert Montagu followed his wife
into the drawing room. Miss Lockhart
could not fail to be aware that his en-
rance was for the purpose of inspection,
but the knowledge did not seem to dis
concert her in the least. On the contra
y she conversed with them easily and
naturally for few minutes, and then rose
% take leave.
"You will write, then, Mrs Montagu,
o Lady Ringwood?" Isuppose you will
20 satisfied with her Recommendation |