The Clever Woman of the Family

"They are very young, poor little fellows," said Mrs. Curtis.

"And if they are forward in some things they are backward in others,"

said Fanny. "What Major Keith recommended was a governess, who would

know what is generally expected of little boys."

"I don't like half measures," muttered Rachel. "I do not approve

of encouraging young women to crowd the overstocked profession of

governesses."

Fanny opened her brown eyes, and awaited the words of wisdom.

"Is it not a flagrant abuse," continued Rachel, "that whether she have

a vocation or not, every woman of a certain rank, who wishes to gain her

own livelihood, must needs become a governess? A nursery maid must have

a vocation, but an educated or half-educated woman has no choice;

and educator she must become, to her own detriment, and that of her

victims."

"I always did think governesses often much to be pitied," said Fanny,

finding something was expected of her.

"What's the use of pity if one runs on in the old groove? We must

prevent the market from being drugged, by diverting the supply into new

lines."

"Are there any new lines?" asked Fanny, surprised at the progress of

society in her absence.

"Homoeopathic doctresses," whispered Grace; who, dutiful as she was,

sometimes indulged in a little fun, which Rachel would affably receive

unless she took it in earnest, as in the present instance.

"Why not--I ask why not? Some women have broken through prejudice, and

why should not others? Do you not agree with me, Fanny, that female

medical men--I mean medical women--would be an infinite boon?"

"It would be very nice if they would never be nervous."

"Nerves are merely a matter of training. Think of the numbers that might

be removed from the responsibility of incompetently educating! I declare

that to tempt a person into the office of governess, instead of opening

a new field to her, is the most short-sighted indolence."

"I don't want to tempt any one," said Fanny. "She ought to have been

out before and be experienced, only she most be kind to the poor boys. I

wanted the Major to inquire in London, but he said perhaps I might hear

of some one here."

"That was right, my dear," returned her aunt. "A gentleman, an officer,

could not do much in such a matter."

"He always does manage whatever one wants."

At which speech Rachel cast a glance towards her mother, and saw her

look questioning and perplexed.