Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1886-03-26
VI.


gerated the truth, when she described her
much-indulged granddaughter as "a child
who had never been accustomed to wait for
anything since the day when she was born"
Goyernesses in general would have found
1t no easy matter to produce favorable i'm
preston on Kitty, and to exert the necessary
authority in instructing her, at the same
time Spoilt children (whatever moraliSts
may say to the contrary are companionable
and affectionate children, for the most part
except when they encounter the unfortunate
persons employed to introduce them to use
full knowledge. Mr.. and Mrs. Linley guilt
ly conscious of having been too fond of their
only child to subject her to any sort of dis
cipline) were not very willing to contemplate
the prospect before Miss Westeriield on her
first establishment in the School-Toom. To
their surprise and relief there proved to be
no cause for anxiety after all. Without
making an attempt TO assert her authority,
the new gOyerneSs succeeded nevertheless
when older and wiser women would have
failed.
The secret of Sydney's triumph over ad-
verse circumstances lay hidden in Sydney
herself.
Everything in the ordinary routine of life
at Mount MOrycn was a source of delight
and surprise to the unfortunate creature who
had passed through six years OF cruelty, in
suit and priyation at her aunts school,
Look where she might, in her new sphere Of
action. she saw pleasant faces and heard
kind words At meal-times wonderful
achievements in the art of cookery appeared
on the table which she had not only never
tasted, but never even heard of. When she
lit, tln,,
free to go where they pleased without restric-
ton of time, except the time of dinner. To
breathe the delicious air, to look at the glOri-
Gus scenery, were enjoyments so eXquisitely
exhilarating that by Sydney's own confess
sion she became quite lightheadcd with pleas
ure. She ran races with Kitty, and nobody
reprovcd her. She rested, out of breath,
while the stronger child was ready to run on
and no mcrcilcss voice cried ''None of your
lazIncss; times upr' Wild flowers that she
had never yet seen might be gathered, and
no offense was committed. Kitty told her
the names Of the flowers and the names of
the summer insects that flashed and hummed
in the hillside breeZeS; and was so elated at
teaching her gOverneSs that her rampant
spirits burst out in singing. "YOur turn
next" the joyous child cried, when she, too,
was out of breath. ''Sing, Sydney-singP'
Alas for Sydney She had not sung since
those happieSt days of her childhood, when
her good father had told her fairy stories and
taught her songs. They were all forgotten
now. ~ can't sing, Kitty; L can't sing"
The pupil, hearing this melancholy confess
sion, became gOvcrneSS once more. "Say the
words, sgd, and hum the tune after me-"
They laughed over the singing lesson until
In LII Al.
laughed, too. Looking into the school-room
one day Mrs. Linley found that the serious
business of teaching was not neglected. The
lessons went on smoothly, without an OBJ
Stacle In the way. Kitty was incapable OF
disappointing her friend and playfellOw, who
made learning easy with smile and kiss.
The balance OF authority was regulated to
perfection in the lives OF these two simple
creatures. In the school-room the governess
taught the child. Out of the School-room the
child taught the goycrness. Division of labor
was principle in perfect working order at
Mount Morven-and nobody suspected it'll
But as the weeks followed each other, one
more remarkable circumstance presented it.
self, which ever person in the household was
equally quick TO observe. The sad Sydney
Westerfeld, whom they all pitied, had now
they all admired. 1t was not merely a
change-it was n transformation. Kitty stole
the handglass from her mothers room, and
insisted that her govcrneSs should take it and
look at herself Papa says you're as plump
rs partridge and mamma says you're as
fresh as a rose, and Uncle Randall wags his
head and tells them he saw it from the first
heard it all when they thought was play
ing with my doll-and l want to know, you
best of nice girls, what you think of your
own sclf?'
II think, my dear, it's time we went on
Nth ioSSNus -
wait little, sgd; have something else
to say"
what is it,"
ITS about papa. He goes out walking
with us-doeSn't he'r
Yes"
"He didn't so out walking with me-be-
fore you came here. I've been thinking
about 1t; and I'm sure papa likes you. What
are you looking in the drawer forY''
For your leSS0n-books, dear"
"Yes-lSt haven't quite done yet Papa
talks good deal to you, and you don't talk
much 10 papa. Don't you like him?"
"Oh, KittyV'
Then you do like him.
"How can help liking him? l owe all
my happiness to your papa"
DO you like him better than mamma?'
Il should be very ungrateful If liked any
body better than your mamma"
Kitty considered a little and shook her
head. II don't understand that" she de-
clarcd, roundly. What do you mean?''
Sydney cleaned the pupils slate and set
the pupils sum, and said nothing. Kitty
placed suspicious construction of her own
on her governeSs' sudden silence.
Perhaps you don't like my asking Ques-
tionS%' she suggested. Perhaps you meant
TO nuzvle meP'
Sydney ngned ana answered TIN puzzled
ruyselfD