Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-05-16
GaIes and Sketftts.
mrs. nosrAeU's GevERxEss.


in the window recess, were enacting the
story of Daniel in the lions den, but de.
parting from the text of the Scriptural mar
rsfive, 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.
Guv stood beside the table, learning a
spelling lesson at the top Of his 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 dis
tracted mother, Mrs. Moptagu, 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-
trouble, for Master Guy jumped at least
foot high. and shrieked enough to bring
the house down. The noise so startled
Harry that he dropped the cat. which
made off tor the door, after bestOwIng a
deep scratch upon the young hero's hand
by way of a parting attention; he wept
long and sore. and the poor. frightened
baby. letting fall the keys. walled in har-
mony-or out Of it; while poor Mrs. Mon
tagu would have liked to shed tears also.
In time all the noisy little mischief
makers were despatched to bed, but was
it surprising that their unhappy mother
was worn out, pale and fearful at the end
of the day.
II suppose those young rebels have
been half killing you?' began her hus-
band, as soon as the dinner was over and
the pair were left alone II have no doubt
that Ethel has been feeding the baby with
ashes. Guy and Harry having a stand-up
fight, and all the rest making noise enough
for Bedlam."
This picture was so far below the reality
that Mrs. Montagu discreetly forbore 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 a governess for them
And rising from his seat, Mr.. Montagu
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 tai
ented children, but their education rather
neglected"
..Humph'' calculated the husband, in
a tone that savored of scepticism.
II was according to the notions of nei-
Their parent precisely that the notice was
eventually drawn up, but one was at last
written out and despatched by that nights
post, and IN due course it appeared in the
columns of the Times newspaper.
To that advertisement. in the course of
the next few days, exactly 81 replies were
received. and what the ultimate decision
would have been it would be hard to saw,
but for the Intervention of chance cir
cumstance.
One afternoon as 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."
It was the name of one of the appli-
cants for the situation of governess
GOOD gracious :" exclaimed Mrs. Mon
tagu, and in her dismay would have gone
straight off into tainting fit, but that
there was no person Mt hand to recover
her; so. postponing the troublesome cere-
mony, she fastened to the drawing room
to her visitor Pray sit down." she said,
indicating chair near the fire, while she
herself sank upon couch opposite.
THANK you; / have ventured to call
because l cannot afford delay in finding a
fresh situation" replied the stranger. tim.
~ 10
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. Montagu came to the conclusion. was.
without exception. the most beautiful she
had ever seen. In repose 1t 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 per-
fectly satisfactory. and Just as the young
lady was concluding her story Mrs. Mon
tagu heard a welcome sound in the hall.
II was her husbands step, and his return
from town at that moment was opportune.
Excusing herself briefly to her visitor.
Mrs. Montagu flew to consult with her
husband.
After hearing her account of the candi-
date. Robert Montagu followed his wife
into The drawing room. Miss Lockhart
could not fail to be aware that his entrance
was for the purpose of inspection, but the
knowledge did not seem to discomfort her
in the least. On the contrary. she con-
versed with them easily and naturally for
few minutes. and then rose to take leave.
You will write. then, Mrs. Montagu.
to Lady RingwoodP suppose YOU will
10 satisfied with her Recommendation
alonep" added Miss Lockhart, hesitatingly
and 1t was the first sign of nervousness that
she had betrayed.
Certainly; it will be quite sufficient
said Mrs. Montagu. And there the inter
view would have ended, but Mr.. Moatagu
had suddenly fresh suggestion to make.
MY DEAR" said he. turning to his wife
''you are going into town this week could
you not 60 tomorrow and call in Port
land place ?"
at may not be convenient to Mrs. Ring.
wood 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.