Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1891-10-25

the boys to the age of seven or eight, when
tutors for the latter are provided. These
are both instructors and slaves. The gov
erness must read, write, speak and teach
French and German. and be able to instruct
in the rudimcnts of Latin the sciences and
philosophy. She must sing, and teach vo-
cal music. and play and instruct upon the
upon the piano and harp In fact. she must
be the superior. companion and servant of
her charges. Her compensation is $40 to
$50 per annum. In the greatest houses. she
is allowed two. and sometimes three, nur-
sery maids at from 80 to Gl6 each.
The daily regime of these children of
the nobility is about as follows: They rise
at Z o'clock the year round. They are
given short walk before breakfast, which
is served in the nursery at s, and consists
of oatmeal and cream, a little baked or
mashed potato, perhaps bit Of cold lamb,
milk and fruit. Then they must assidu-
ously study until 10. Then comes walk
in the grounds or drive in double pha-
ton, the gOverneSs in charge and the under
coachman or stable boy us driver. On their
return they are allowed 10 romp q little un-
til dinner. At this meal they are served
with soup or bouillon, a trifle of fish, spar
ingly of roast meat or grilled chops. q
small help of vegetables, and little
fruit, or, instead, custard or rice pudding.
The younger ones may nap and the older
study until /. A half hours drive or walk
is had; when they are entertained by the
governeSs with stories improVised or read,
with music or by games until q O'Clock.
Then the supper, when weak chocolate,
cocoa or tea. with crackers or toast. and
perhaps a trifie of cold roast is served. BY
30 q clock every one of these lordlings
are in bed and sound asleep.
Whether the castle is asleep in its inane
home-life. or is stirred with the presence
Of many noble visitors, lis child-life ever
remains the same. Children are almost
exclusively reared without seeing their
parents save by chance. The regime Of
meals is as strict and formal as that With
their elders. The governess is always with
them At meals, and indeed practically never
absent from them. Their study, play
hours. meals. outings and hours for rising
and retiring are rs vigorously observed as
at military school. Their clothing is
wholly prepared under the direction Of the
governess. Her ladyship simply receives
reports of discipline and progress. She is
in no sense their mother. On rare occa-
sions when her ladyship is alone, or when
guests who are close friends are present
they are permitted TO appear with the GOV
ernesS at the family table. But these OCca-
sions while regarded As rewards, are dis
mally formal and auStere. Some things
these children gain. The vast grounds are
full OF sweetness. sunlight and song. They
are kept in these every moment permissible
from their studies. believe them to be from
infancy to their departure for school, and
sometimes until their entrance TO noble So
ciety, the healthiest children and youths in
the world. Something else is gained. As
a rule, their compulsory and habitual abne-
cation before their elders prevents that in
sufferable arrogance and turbulent, insult
ing self-consciousness of the average petted
and spoiled American youth. So, too, if
they gain within and without castle doors.
If the same be not always retained. as l
have seen in progress about these unduly
grand palaces, democracy OF affection
and growth of innocent love among host
of rarely reciprocative if quaint and simple
folk EDGAR l. WAkEMAN.