Please don't object to my featuring the Pendleton family so prominently.

I did it for political reasons. As the entire working staff of the

institution was present, I thought it a good opportunity to emphasize

the fact that all of these upsetting, innovations come straight from

headquarters, and not out of my excitable brain.

The children stopped eating and stared. The conspicuous color of my

hair and the frivolous tilt of my nose are evidently new attributes in a

superintendent. My colleagues also showed plainly that they consider me

too young and too inexperienced to be set in authority. I haven't seen

Jervis's wonderful Scotch doctor yet, but I assure you that he will have

to be VERY wonderful to make up for the rest of these people, especially

the kindergarten teacher. Miss Snaith and I clashed early on the subject

of fresh air; but I intend to get rid of this dreadful institution

smell, if I freeze every child into a little ice statue.

This being a sunny, sparkling, snowy afternoon, I ordered that dungeon

of a playroom closed and the children out of doors.

"She's chasin' us out," I heard one small urchin grumbling as he

struggled into a two-years-too-small overcoat.

They simply stood about the yard, all humped in their clothes, waiting

patiently to be allowed to come back in. No running or shouting or

coasting or snowballs. Think of it! These children don't know how to

play.

STILL LATER.

I have already begun the congenial task of spending your money. I bought

eleven hot-water bottles this afternoon (every one that the village drug

store contained) likewise some woolen blankets and padded quilts. And

the windows are wide open in the babies' dormitory. Those poor little

tots are going to enjoy the perfectly new sensation of being able to

breathe at night.

There are a million things I want to grumble about, but it's half-past

ten, and Jane says I MUST go to bed.

Yours in command,

SALLIE McBRIDE.

P.S. Before turning in, I tiptoed through the corridor to make sure that

all was right, and what do you think I found? Miss Snaith softly closing

the windows in the babies' dormitory! Just as soon as I can find

a suitable position for her in an old ladies' home, I am going to

discharge that woman.

Jane takes the pen from my hand.

Good night.

THE JOHN GRIER HOME,

February 20.

Dear Judy:

Dr. Robin MacRae called this afternoon to make the acquaintance of the

new superintendent. Please invite him to dinner upon the occasion of his

next visit to New York, and see for yourself what your husband has done.

Jervis grossly misrepresented the facts when he led me to believe

that one of the chief advantages of my position would be the daily

intercourse with a man of Dr. MacRae's polish and brilliancy and

scholarliness and charm.




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024