Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1882-06-24
MRS. MeNTAGU'S G0VERNEsS

Harry sat On the hearth-rug tormenting
an unlucky kitten Dolly, Teddy and Tim,
In the window recess, were enacting the
story Of Daniel IL the lions den, but de.
parting from the text of the Scriptural mar
rstive, inasmuch as the lions, Teddy and
Tim, were commencing to gnaw Daniel
each having introduced fat little arm into
his mouth, against which innovation their
victim was protesting with all the power of
her lungs, not altogether, it is to be feared,
upon the ground of principle. Guy stood
beside the table, learning spelling lesson
az the top of mis- voice, while Ethel, under
cover Of the table-cloth, was creeping along
with a big pin, which would presently
make acquaintance with the calves of
Guys legs. Their distracted mother, Mrs.
hloDtagu, sat in their midst, the baby on
her lap rafting big bunch OF keys
AT last the pin reached its destination,
and the youthful operator was fully re-
wSrded 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 made
of for the door, sftez bestowing q deep
scratch upon the young hero S hand by way
of parting attention he wept long and
sore, and the poor, frightened baby, letting
fall the keys, walled in harmony-or out of
it-while poor Mrs. Mcntagu would have
liked TO shed tears also
In time all the noisy little mischief.
makers were dispatched to bed, but was it
surprising that their unhappy mother was
Gan sol L. ! Il -,
day?
81 suppose those young rebels have been
half killing you y began her husband, as
soon as 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 Bedla1n"
This picture was so far below the reality
that Mrs. Monsagu discreetly forebore 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. wen have
governess for them.
And rising from his seat, Mr. Montsgu
reached paper, pen and ink, and forthwith
drew up an advertisement, which he read
aloud.
Wanted, Governess. Learning and
accomplishments OF no consequence
strength of arm the only indispensable
qualification. Apply, etc"
Robert, state the facts sweet and tall
ented children, bnt their education rather
neglected.
"Humph % calculated the husband, in
tone that savored Of scepticism.
It was according to the notions OF neither
parent precisely that the notice was event
ia ~ drawn up, hut one was at last written
out and dispatched by that nights post,
and in due course appeared in the columns
OF the Times newspaper.
To that advertisement in the course of
the next few days exactly eighty-four re-
plies were received, and what the ultimate
decision would have been it would be hard
to say but for the Intervention Of chance
circumstance.
One afternoon az Mrs. Montagu sat in
the dining room, for the twentieth time
turning over the various letters of applica-
ton, servant entered, carrying upon his
tray lady's visiting card, bearing the
words, 8 Miss Marion Lockhart."
1t was the name of one of the applicants
for the situation of governess. GOOD
gracious Will the whole eighty.four CALI"
exclaimed Mrs. Montagu, and in her dis
may would have gone straight off into
fainting fit, but that there was no person
at hand to recover her so, postponing the
troublesome ceremony, she fastened to the
drawing-room to her visitor. Pray sit
down" she said, indicating chair near
the fire, while she herself sank upon a
couch opposite.
Thank you; have ventured to call
because / cannot afford delay in finding
fresh situation, replied the stranger, tim
idly. 81 hope it does not inconvenience
you TO see me.
Not in the least. 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 were attractive; her dress
was simple and neat, and her face, Mrs.
Montague came to the conclusion, was
without exception, the most beautiful she
had ever seen. In repose it was sad, as
though its owner, young as she was, had
known sorrow and suffering in no common
measure.
Miss Lockhart at once proceeded to state
her qualifications. These were perfectly
satisfactory, and just as the young lady
was concluding her story Mrs. Montagu
heard welcome sound in the hall. 1t was
her husbands step, and his return from
town at the moment was opportune. Elk
cusing herself briefly to her visitor, Mrs.
Montagu flew to consult with her husband.
After hearing her account of tine caDdi.
date, Robert Montagu followed his wife
into the drawing-room. Miss Lockhart
could not fail to be aware that the en-
trance was for the purpose of inspection,
but the knowledge did not seem to discon-
cert her IN the least. On the contrary she
conversed with them easily and naturally
for few minutes, and then rose to take
leave.
"You will write, then, Mrs. Montagu,
to Lady Ringwood? suppose you will be
satisfied with her recommendation alone %
added Miss Lockhart, hesitatingly, and it
was the first sign of nervousness that she
had betrayed. have lived with her for
four years.
Certainly ; it will be quite sufficient"
said Mrs. Montagu. And there the inter.
view would have ended, but Mr.. Montaeu
had suddenly fresh suggestion to make
"My dear, said he, turning to his wife,
"you are going into town this week
could you not go tomorrow and call In
Portland place ?"
cit may not be convenient to Lady
Ringwood to see me, said Mrs. Montagu,
coloring little with bashfulness. "She is
leaving for Menstone in few days for the
benefit of her husbands health. "
'Pray call !" cried Miss Lockhart, ca
gerly. If it is not putting you to too
much trouble, l should ike you to speak
to Lady Ringwood; and she, / am sure,
would prefer it to writing" concluded the
young lady with confidence and she spoke
the truth.