The Penn's Grove record., 1886-04-17
settles down in the glowing sunshine to
a long day of drudgery.


1t is the third morning after Flo's
installation as governess to Mrs. Fitz-
Maurice Smiths sweet children. She
has requested an interview with their
august mother for the purpose Of in
forming that formidable parsonage that
she has decided On retiring from a field
whence a few brave and many faint
hearts have already been ousted.
Flo a hold her own well enough
with the children, who, though high
spirited and utterly spoiled, are not
without their redeemIng good points,
but she cannot brook the perpetual in
science and interference of their mother
Flo has no wish to work In 30 un-
profitable a vineyard whilst other fields
lie open to her; consequently she has
demanded an interview with her EN-.
ployer, and is even now standing firmly
grasplng the handle of the morning
room door. She turns it, and is about
to enter, when, percelving that Mr..
Smith is the only occupant Of the apart
ment, she makesa an excuse and proceeds
to withdraw. She is however quickly
recalled.
"~IIere, thingamy-bobl 1 want some
one; you'll dol"
Flo rather likes MI. Smith, though
he does usually pa~rticularise her as
''thingamy-bob"-poor man he cannot
be expected to remember all the COVER
nesses' namesl-so she enters the room
and asks
sis there anything l can do for your"
"Can you writer" asks Mr.. Smith
doubtfully. His own corresponding
powers are so very limited that he nat
urally doubts those of others.
"Yes," answers Flo, smiling a little.
"Then sit down here, like a good
what's-your.name. and tell this man l
can't meet him on Thursday-it's a
hunting day."
Flo selects a sheet of paper and COM
plies with the request. She has just
finished her note, when Mrs. Smith
enters the room, and looks with some
little astonlshment from her g%oyerness
to her husband.
"Thingamy-bob has been writing to
Tomkins for me. | couldn't wait for
YOU" he explains, and then tramps
hurriedly out to where his hSsaa is
awaiting him.
Mrs. Smith shrugs her shoulders de-
preciatingly.
''Tom shall be so educated that he
can write his own letters, F." she says de-
cidedly.
Flo doubts in her heart whether Tom
will grow up a truer man than his
father, even though he may be able to
write his own letters.
This, l believe, is the hour for
Trot's geography-lesson," continues
Mrs. Smith somewhat severely; $50
perhaps you will be kind enough to
say what you have to say quickly, Miss
Brymer.
81 will be as concise as possible. Mrs.
Smith. u
"Fitz-Maurice Smith, If you pease."
81 really beg pardon" says Flo peni-
tently.
Mrs. Smith draws her shawl around
her shoulders more closely, with great
dignity of action.
81 only wished to say" continues
Flo, after a moments pause, shat as
soon as you can make arrangements
with some other governess, | should
like to leave"
For some time Mrs. Smith stares at
the girl in feigned surprise; then she
demands resentfully-
what have you to complain of, Miss
Brymer2 Why do you wish to resign
your post?n
81 never care to make complaints"
answers Flo, with a somewhat provok-
ing smile playing around the corners of
her mouth. 81 merely come to say
that l am anxious to leave"
''Then allow me to tell you that l
consider your conduct ~disgraceful, and,
if you apply to me for a reference, l
shall not fail to expose your dlscredit-
able conduct leaving me without an
assignable reason for so doingl"
81 shall not trouble you for a refer
ence," replies Flo, her cheeks pink at
the insolent tone adopted. Besides"
she continues, in an undertone, 81 have
very good reason for my conduct"
Name themI" cries Mrs. Smith in
stentorian tones. She is inexpressibly
annoyed to see so good and well-olled a
machine as Flo has proved herself dur
ing the past two days slipping out of
her hands.
"You allow me to exercise no author
lty over nay pupils, and | find it impos-
slble to instruct them properly without
certain amount Of order and discip-
"Do you imagine, Miss Brymer, that
l would allow you or any woman to
ill-treat my treasures?"
Ar irrepresslble smile breaks over
Flo's features as she makes answer
81 do not think, Mrs. Smith, that
your children have bad dispositions.
Ill-treatment, 1 I'M sure, would be
quite unnecessary; but they need to
learn the meaning Of the word 'obedi-
ence.'"
(Which means a total destruction of
theirjoyous innocent naturesl" eXclaims
the lady excitedly. "No. Miss Brymer
if you cannot rule them with love, you
shall never rule them with the rod.
You must leave"
Eyes" answers Flo readily, rising
from her chair. Il shall do the very
best for the children until you are suit
ed."
"Of course" calculates Mrs. Smith
then she watches Flo trip
across the room.
sob, Miss Brymer!"
Eyes, Mrs. Fitz-Maurice Smith,"
answers Flo, pausing at the door.
"You may have heard that l am CO.
ing to give a dance tomorrow even
yes" says Flo wonderingly.
81 shall wish you to appear during
the evening""
swish me to appearl" echoes Flo,
with some dim foreboding that she ls
being called on to enact medium"
"Yes, 1 always have my governess
present at any entertainment that |
give; it shows that l keep one."
"Oh, l am to come down to morrow
eveuingln muses. Flo aloud; then she
continues, in an annoyed voice, 81
would much rather keep in the school
room."
Mrs. Smith, unused to such rebellion
stares hard.
"Did you not hear me say" she re-
marks crushingly, THAT | choose you
to be thereP"
\ = = y y
t. 10 tho oyaoino oF tho danea and