The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-11-18
CHAPTER I.

languages at least, and accomplishments
galore, but. personally. she is a fright, my
dear
Now. John. what does that matter?''
asked his wife. reproachfuIly; II thought it
was such a recommendation in governess
myself
Well. don't" enunciated Mr.. Graham.
with q twinkle in his eye. II like pretty
people about me-"
john exclaimed his wife in an out
ragged ton.
why not?' he answered cooliy. THAT
was one of my reasons for marrying you;
although not the best or the strongest. And
] must say one thing for you. Maggie; you
have worn so remarkably well you did not
need foil
Mrs Graham could not help smiling at
this pretty conjugal compliment whilst de-
claring that she had had no thought of the
kind. and had only been anxious about
Dick.
Dick isn't given to falling in love. my
dear her husband reminded her.
Because his time is not yet come. and
he has some very original notions on the
subject. He always says he shall know by
instinct directly he meets the right per-
SON"
Il fancy she will have to be pretty
THAT is what 1 thought, and So"
You chose an ugly governessl"
Il can't say exactly that, because hard
ly chose her. Lady Eastwood heard some
how that wanted a governess. and wrote
me word that she should like to recon-
mend me protege of hers, who was de-
sirable in every respect, and so unhappy at
home through no fault OF her own. it would
be real charity TO engage her. 1 told you
about It at the time, If you remember
And reminded you that charity began
at home. and advised you to make all posi-
bic inquiries as to her capabilities, ct
cetera."
Which did; and the result was so salts
factory / engaged her at once. 1t is only
fair to Lady Eastwood to say that 1 have
found Miss Latimer all, and even more
than she promised She is the only COVER
ness we have ever had who has kept Mabel
in proper order, and yet the child Is de-
voted to her too
She seems a good disciplinarian." Mr.
Graham admitted, '.but object to the blue
spectacles."
That is a minor detail. Appearances are
Oeceitlat ana beauty Is vain.
You are not vain"
Now, Johnp' said his wife, putting up
her forefinger admonishingly eff you pay
any more compliments I shall begin
to suspect your sincerity. Two in one
morning is large allowance for anything
but the honeymoon
Mr.. Graham laughed
In the. privacy OF their chamber that
night she confided to him she had spoken
TO Miss Latimer about the blue spectacles
and their dishguring effect, and Miss Lati-
mer had assured her that she had only
adopted them for temporary purpose, and
would shortly discard them
Anyhow she will never be good-looking."
said Mr. Graham, with decision, and bis
wife was glad she could conscientiously
assent. for Dick shared his fathers weak
ness for pretty faces, and moreover II
was his nature to want a thing badly when
he wanted ii at all, and to take care he
got it,
so Tar he had not given them any trouble
upon his love affairs certainly, but she al
ways looked upon him as a sort of slum
boring volcano. which might break out AZ
any moment and was very careful not to
provoke any eruption
Her former governess had been over
thirty when she came. and uncomnromis-
ingly scholastic in manner and appear
ance. There had never been any danger
for Dick. or the young lads. so far as she
was concerned, and Mrs. Graham had been
truly sorry to part with her
There were still three girls in the school,
room-Minnia. aged fifteen: Florence.
u0lT
just turned seven. So Mrs Graham felt that
she had a few anxious years in front OF
her still, and she could not be too care
ful In her choice of governess Dick would
be home on leave in three weeks time. and
Ralph from Sandhurst and there was inst
chance of her sailor son joining the marty
so that il was a great thing to have the
matter settled so satisfactorily now. and
she felt very grateful, to Lady Eastwood
for sending her such a treasure
a fortnight passed, during which time
Mrs. Graham became more and more sat
flied that she had done well, although the
blue spectacles had not been discarded vet
She reminded Miss Latimer of her promise
one evening in a pleasant. bantering way.
and the other colored a good deal, and
apologized.
II have become accustomed to them
now she said. land forget how they
strike other people. I will put them right
away tO-r.lght. and then I must remem-
Der"
Coming down stairs TO breakfast the next
morning AIRS. Graham met a pretty girl
In pink dress on the stairs, and stared at
her, unrecognizing for few seconds, as
she stepped aside Then she called out,
IN as much surprise as secret consterna-
ton:
That can't possibly be you. Miss Lati-
ner. | really didn't know youi'
Sensitive people are quick to note the
least shade OF meaning in glance or an
intonation, and Miss Latimer understood
that the change she had made at her
employers wish was not TO her taste after
all SO she said quietly:
Perhaps you would rather / continued
to wear the blue spectacles. Mrs. Ora
ham?'
Mrs- Graham longed TO say yes, but she
thought II would look so mean and small,
as n she We're Jealous for how could she
account for her Inconsistency in any other
way SO she forced herself 10 answer