The Sunday herald. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1866-1887, 1882-04-02
MRS. MONTAGU'S GOvERNESS.

Harry sat on the hearth-rug tOrmenting
an unucky kitten; Dollle, Teddy, and Tim, In the
window recess enacting the story Of Daniel In
the Hons den hut departing from the text OF the
Scripture narrative inasmuch as the lions, Teddy
and Tim, were commencing TO gnaw Daniel, each
having introduced q fat little arm Into his mouth,
against which innovation their victim protesting
with all the power o, his lungs not altogether u Is
stood beside the table, learning spelling lesson at
the top OF his voice. while Ethel, under cover OF the
table. CLOTH was creeping along with big pln which
would presently make acquaintance with the calves
OF Guys legs. Their distracted mother, Mrs Mon
taeu sat Ia their midst, the baby her lap rafting
big bunch of keys.
Al last the pin reached Its destination, aud the
youthful operator was fully rewarded FOR any slight
expenditure Of trouble, for Master Guy Jumped at
least foot high, and shIieked enough to bring the
house down. The noise startled Harry that he
dropped the cat which made oil for the door, after
hcsowlng deep scratch upon the young hero's hand
by way OF parting attentions he wept long and sore,
aud the poor frightened baby letting fall the keys
walled In harmony-or out of II; while poor Mrs.
Montagu would have liked to shed tears also.
In time all the noisy little mischief makers were
despatched to bed but was 1t surprising that their
unhappy mother was worn ont, pale, ahd tenrtul NJ
ii suppose those young rebels have been half kill
ing You ~ began her husband, rs the dinner
was over and the pair We're left alone. ~ hayeno
doubt that Ethel has been feeding the baby with
ashes, Guy aud Harry having stand-up Rght and
all the rest making noise enough for Bedlim.''
The picture was so far below the reality that Mrs.
Montagu discreetly forebore to make any reply.
Gwen something must he done. I've spoken
Of II before, aud now the thing shall he done ~ re-
snmed the oracle, even have goVernes' for
them
Aud rising from his seat Mr.. MOntagu reached
paper, pen, and ink, and forthwith drew up an ad
vertisement, which lie read aloud.
WANTED, q gONeTneSS. Learning ana accom-
plishments of no consequence; strength OF arm the
only Indispensable qualification. Apply, etc p,
Robert state the facts: sweet aud talented chill
dren, hut their education rather neglected.
"Iumph!'' circulated the husband, In tone that
savored of skeptiCiSm.
1t was according to the notions of neither parent
precisely that tho notice eventually drawn
up; at last written ont and despatched by
that very nights post and In IL appeared
In the columns Of the Times newspaper.
To that advertisement an the conrse of the next few
days exactly eighty four replies were received and
what the ultimate decision would have been II would
be hard to say but for the Intervention of chance
circumstance.
roOm for the twentieth time turning over the various
ettera OF applications, servant entered, carrying
upon his tray iady's visiting card. bearing the
words, "NIiss Marion I.ockhart''
II the name of Of the applicants for the Sit
uation of governess. Good gracious WIN the
whole eighty -four call - exclaimed Mrs. Montagu,
and IN her dismay would have gone straight off Into
fantng it but that there was no person at hand to
recover her So pOstponing the troublesome ceremony
she hastened TO the drawing room to her visitor.
"pray, sit down. - She said Indicating chair near
the fire, while she herself sank upon conch oppo-
site
"Thank you; have yentuIed to call because can
not afford delay In finding fresh situation re-
piled the stranger, tmidy I" hope 1t does not In
convenience You to see me. -
s'Not IN the least. glad you have called, - re-
piled the elder lady, who was pleased with her new
acquaintance. The girls pleasant, well modulated
voice graceful manner attractive; her dress
was simple and neat, and her face, Mrs. MOntagu
came TO the conclusions was without exception the
most beautiful she had ever In repOSe 1t was
sad, though its owner Young as she was, had
known sorrow and suffering in no common measure.
Miss Lockhart at once proceeded to state her quail
fcations. These perfectly satisfactory and
Just the young lady was concluding her story Mrs.
Montagn heard welcome sound IN hall. 1t was
her husbands step and his return from town at the
moment was most opportnne. ENcusing herself
briefly 10 her visitor Mrs. Montagu flew To consult
with her husband,
After hearing her account Of the candidate Robert
Montagu followed his wife into the drawing room.
Miss Lockhart could fail he aware that his
trance for the purpose of inspection, but the
knowledge did not seem to dlsconcet her in the least
On the contrary, she conyeised with them easily and
naturally for few minutes, and then rose to take
leave.
'.You will write, then, Mrs. Montagu, to Lady
RingwOo1? suppose yOu will lie satisfied with her
recommendation aIone?', added Miss Lockhart, hest
tatingly and 1t the first sign of nervousness that
she had betrayed 81 have lived with her for four
years.
Certainly, 1t will he quite sufficient said Mrs.
Montagu. And there the Interview would have ended
hut Mr.. Montagu had suddenly fresh suggestion to
make.
''NIy dear, - said he. turning to his wife, " you
going into town this week. could you not go to-
| morrow and call in Portland PLACE ~
80 1t may not he convenient TO Lady ltingwood to
see me, ~ said Mrs. Mantagm colnring little with
bashfulness. "she is leaving for Mentone In few
days, for the benefit of her husbands health
''Pray call ~ cried Miss Lockhart eagerly. - II
II Is not putting you TO too much trouble should like
you 10 speak to Lady RingwOOd and she, am sure,
would prefer II to writing?'' concluded the young
lady with confidence: and she spoke the truth
The distance from Freshleld TO London was but q
matter of twenty miles thereabouts, and II was
still early when Mrs. Montague found her way next
| day to Portland place, where she met with kind
| reception. Lady RingwOod and Laura Montagu
moved in very different spheres OF society, but both
| were essentially good women and they understood
| one another instinciVely.
| OF Miss Lockhart Lady RingwOOd spoke with the
| most cordial commendatiOn al can only say, Mrs.
| Montagu, that l myself regard Miss Lockhart viii
| feelings of affection and esteem. Her management
of children is wonderful Mine adore her, YET she Is
In many respects very strict with them feel part.
Ing with her deeply and have offered to make arrage
ments keep hers but she prefers to he independent
perhaps JUSTLY The truth is that can hardly discuss
Miss LoCkhart under the form of employer and EN-
pIoyed: she has been more of friend to me. -
| Naturally, as the upshot OF the interview, Miss
| Lockhayt engaged by Mrs. Montagu, 1t being
further Grrangel that she should go down to Fresh
field upon thelolowing AlaIday 10 enter upon her new
duties,
| Mrs. MOntagu found Miss Lockhart all that Ladl
RngwOOd had declared her, and more She kept al
those unTnly little people in check, yet made then
happy; and very shortly her clever help and swee
temper had rendered her indispensable To Mrs. Mon
| tagu who could no longer have imagined exstenc
without her invaluable goyerness' aid and support.
IL.