"Mind your own affairs, miss," said Robert, sharply. 66 Ought he to do it, Margaret ?" continued Flora, as her sister took no notice of her first appeal. "Wouldn't mamma be very angry?" "Go and tell her," rejoined Robert, defiantly. "He is taking some more sugar in his tea, Margaret," persevered Flora; "and you gave him two lumps, I know, for I saw you." "Do be quiet, children!" exclaimed Margaret, without looking up from her book. "Attend to your own tea, Flora!" I said, rather sternly. "You are younger than Robert, and it is not your pla to find fault with him." She began sipping her tea, muttering all the time that she knew mamma would be very angry, and that she should just tell her when she went down-stairs. How heartsick and weary I felt by the time Margaret rose, and told the children they had better go to the nursery and be dressed for going down to dessert. She did not appear conscious of my existence, but passed out of the room with her book in her hand, and in another minute I was left alone. I must confess to having yielded to a momentary weakness then, and allowed the tears to fill my eyes, and an intense and most bitter yearning for home came over me; but I choked down the feeling, and, in order to drown thought in exertion, set myself to tidy the room. I can remember vividly now, how wretched the tea-table looked, covered with slops of tea, and broken pieces of bread and butter, and crusts that the children did not like. I rang the bell to have the table cleared, and when the servant appeared, requested to have my box brought up-stairs to my room. This done, I occupied myself for the next hour and a half in unpacking and arranging my things, and in trying to give an appearance of comfort to my room. I then returned with my work-box into the schoolroom, and worked diligently during the remainder of the evening. No one came near me again, and at half-past nine o'clock, being very tired, I extinguished the lamp, and went to bed. CHAPTER III. I AWOKE with a heavy heart the following morning, and with an impression that the trials of governess-life in theory were far less formidable than they promised to be in reality. The sense of entire loneliness and isolation was depressing in the extreme, and I shed a few bitter tears as I recollected that but four-and-twenty hours previously, I had been dressing in my own room, and preparing to join my mother and sisters at the breakfast table. Happily I had time to recover my composure, and form a few good resolutions, before a servant knocked at my door, with the information that the prayer bell had just rung. I followed her down stairs into a cheerful and handsomely furnished room, where the breakfast lay on the table, and all the family were gathered together. They must have sent to summon me, for the servants were already waiting outside the door, and the moment I entered Mrs. Tower just gave me her hand, and immediately pointed to a chair at a short distance from her. servants entered, and we had prayers, and when they were over, I made the discovery, perhaps with some feelings of satisfaction, that we were all to breakfast together. The Mr. Tower, who was a stout but amiablelooking gentleman, shook hands with me, and hoped I was not tired with my journey the previous day; Margaret gave me a familiar nod, with an accompanying "good-morning," but her elder sisters seemed to think it was not incumbent upon them to address me, as their mamma had not gone through any form of introduction, and one busied herself with making the tea, while the other cut some bread, and complained that the eggs were always cold. They were elegant girls, though not exactly pretty, and had all their mother's self-possession and ease of manner. I took a modest seat at the bottom of the table, with Flora and Robert one on each side of me. A dish with slices of bread upon it was passed to me, and Robert made hold to help me to some butter. Some minutes passed, during which Mrs. Tower and her daughters kept up an animated conversation, and then Miss Tower looked down the table and said, "Robert, ask Miss Spenser whether she takes sugar and cream." I could not help thinking the inquiry might as well have been addressed to myself, but since it came through Robert, it was to him I gave the answer, which was immediately shouted to his sister in a concise form: "Cream, but no sugar." Presently, Mr. Tower laying down his newspaper, came to the breakfast table, and turned kindly towards me, to see whether I wanted any thing. "Wont you take an egg, Miss Spenseror a slice of tongue?" The same intuitive feeling came over me, that had done the night before, warning me it were wiser to refuse, and I accordingly did so. Robert stretched across the table for a glass of marmalade, and sticking a spoon into it, observed,— "Wont you have some marmalade, Miss Spenser? It's precious jolly stuff, I can tell you." I again declined, and he emptied the spoon into his own plate, causing Flora to call her | pared for the masters who came over twice a mamma's attention to the fact. "Mamma, week from the neighboring town to give her Robert has got marmalade and butter, and lessons. you don't allow him to have both, do you?" "Robert, leave that glass alone," said his mamma, sharply. "Nasty little Tell-tale ? " muttered Robert, across me to his sister. "Robert is calling me names, mamma," whined Flora. This time no notice was taken, and Robert proceeded to level further sotto voce abuse at his sister, which I, in vain, endeavored to check. It ended in Flora's making a second appeal, and Robert's being ordered to leave the room. To my surprise he took no notice of the command, but continued to eat his bread and butter and marmalade with great composure, reserving his revenge for another time, and his mother took no further notice of him. Breakfast concluded, I felt that I was expected to leave the room, but the extreme unpleasantness of beginning the day without any advice from Mrs. Tower, or the slightest intimation of her wishes with regard to her children's training, pressed upon me so forcibly, that I resolved to overcome my disinclination to address her, and be the first to broach the subject. I did so as modestly as I could. "I should be much obliged if you would allow me to have a few minutes' conversation with you, before entering upon my duties." "Of course, of course, Miss Spenser," she" replied, hastily. "You will see me in the schoolroom long before the books and maps are put out." I took the hint and left the room. In the schoolroom I found Flora seated on a cushion, with a doll in her lap, and a heap of doll's clothes by her side. As I felt it would be far better that none of the children should be present during my interview with Mrs. Tower, I desired her to carry her doll into the nursery, and remain there until I sent for her. She complied unwillingly, and I turned my attention to the lesson books, that were tossed away in sad confusion in a side cupboard. More than half an hour elapsed before I was joined by Mrs. Tower, but the interval gave me leisure to consider what it would be best for me to say, and I did not regret it. As soon as she entered, she commenced at once by going through the list of books her children had been in the habit of using, mentioning some as not desirable, and suggesting others to be used in their stead. From solid acquirements she went on to accomplishments, and concluded by saying that it was her wish that I should superintend Marga"et's studies, and see that she was well pre 66 'Would you, ma'am, be kind enough to let me know exactly the footing on waich I am to stand with Miss Margaret?" Mrs. Tower hesitated for a moment. "Well, Miss Spenser, I must leave a great deal to your sense and discretion. Margar t is getting rather oid for the restraints of the schoolroom, but is still too young to give up her studies, and go out with her sisters and myself. I wish to keep her in the schoolroom for at least another twelvemonth, and I look to you to make it as little irksome for her as you can contrive." I felt uneasy at this indefinite position. "I conclude that I shall be at liberty to exert my authority in the schoolroom, whenever I feel it right to do so," I observed. "Yes," replied Mrs. Tower, looking rather uncomfortable. "Of course, you must co what is right, and I feel sure Margaret will be reasonable; but I trust to you not to be too exacting." "And with regard to Robert," I began. "Oh! Robert goes to the grammar school, and will only be upon your hands at tea-time, and at the early dinner when we have visitors in the house." "And at such times you wish me to make him do what is right, and keep order and peace in the schoolroom?" "Yes, certainly," and Mrs. Tower laughed. He is an unruly spirit, but a fine, generoushearted boy at the bottom. With all his faults, you will be sure to like Robert." "I think I shall," I replied, and the mother looked pleased. "And may I, ma'am, request of you before you leave," I continued, "that if any thing in my teaching or conduct should not give you satisfaction, you will at once speak to me upon the subject. Misunderstandings so often arise from conversations being carelessly repeated, or actions misinterpreted, that I should feel much relieved if I could be sure that I should hear of your disapproval at once from your own lips, and have an opportunity, if I possessed the power, of at once justifying my self." "Oh! yes, yes, Miss Spenser; I am a candid person, and always deal as I like to be dealt by. We shall get to understand each other in time, I don't doubt. I wanted also to say to you that when we are alone it is our wish you should dine down-stairs, with the children, at one o'clock, but when we have company we should feel much obliged by your superintending their dinner here, and keeping them as quiet as possible." I assented, and Mrs. Tower left the room; and after dwelling on the interview for a few minutes, and reflecting that it was not as satisfactory as I could have wished, I went in search of Flora, who was still in the nursery, which I found to be a pleasant, airy room, at no great distance from the schoolroom. "But I dare say you can give me some idea as to when I may expect to see you, either in the morning or the afternoon, for instance." "Well, but sometimes I walk in the morning, and sometimes in the afternoon; it all depends upon the weather and upon visitors." I hesitated, and looked at Mrs. Tower, feeling that, come what would, I was resolved not to be kept in such an uncertain and humiliating position. If my duties were not to be clearly defined, it would be better not to enter upon such an unpleasant post, the result of which must be that all parties would be dissatisfied with one another. I knew that I was asking for no more than my right, and that I determined to obtain. The morning slipped quietly away, with only Flora and Stephen to teach, and I was surprised when I found it was already halfpast twelve o'clock. I rose and told Flora to put away the books, giving her a lesson in order, and showing her how to class them; and I observed that I should always hold her responsible for their neatness, as Stephen was too young to take charge of them. I then sent them to the nursery to be prepared for the early dinner, while I went into my bedroom to make my own hair smooth. Mrs. Tower at length responded to my apI had seen nothing of Margaret since break-pealing look. "You must be a little more fast-time, and I felt very reasonably annoyed definite, dear Margaret. It will be a serious at the dubious relation in which I stood to injury to Flora if Miss Spenser cannot arher. An opportunity for a more definite un-range her lessons systematically. It is only derstanding might occur at dinner-time, and for a twelvemonth, and if any thing particular if so I resolved to make the most of it. should occur, you can easily take a holiday you know, for once in a way." The early dinner was a disorderly meal. There was boiled mutton and rice pudding for the children and myself, and some pastry and fancy dishes for those who were making a luncheon. Mrs. Tower sat at the top of the table, and her daughters wandered in and out, while Margaret seemed to make a point of steadily ignoring me, and imitating her sisters as far as lay in her power. Margaret looked annoyed. "It is very unreasonable, mamma, keeping me in the schoolroom at all at my age. Louisa Morton is a month younger than I am, and she is not to return to school again. Mrs. Morton said the other day that she thought it very good for young girls to mix a little in private society for a twelvemonth or so before they come out; it gives them confidence and lady-like manners." 66 I felt my position to be a critical one. Mrs. Tower evidently wished to gain her point without exercising any absolute author- "I don't profess to agree with Mrs. Morty. She desired that the task of making ton on every point," said Mrs. Tower, eviMargaret attend to her studies should fall dently anxious to close a discussion to which upon me; and I instinctively felt that, if II was an unwilling listener. Come, Marrendered myself offensive to Margaret, my garet, dear, Miss Spenser is waiting." residence at Cheverell Park would be a short "Well, I suppose, in future the afternoon one. I puzzled myself during the whole of will be most convenient to me," said Margaret, dinner-time with trying to resolve what course in a cool and dignified tone. "I shouldn't would be the wisest to pursue, and felt as lit- choose to spend the morning in the schooltle able to decide at the end as at the begin-room, when Charlotte and Helen are always ning. Feeling, however, that I must either at home. In the afternoon they are generally make a move now, or relinquish the idea al- out." together, I addressed myself to Margaret. "Your mamma tells me, Miss Margaret, that she wishes me to superintend some of your studies, and I should be glad if we could come to some arrangement with regard to hours." "And what hours?" I said resolutely. "Oh! I can't tie myself to half an hour. About three, or half-past, I dare say; but I don't think I shall begin this week." I felt not a little provoked, but I forbore to press the point too far, and with the observation, "Then I shall expect you on Monday afternoon, Miss Margaret," left the room. I doubt not that Margaret passed her opin "Oh! I don't feel inclined for any thing of that sort to-day," said Margaret hastily, while Mrs. Tower appeared absorbed in a letter. "You will see me in the schoolroom some-ion very freely on me after I left, and at the time to-morrow, Miss Spenser." "I only wish for some kind of definite understanding," I observed, resolutely; "that when we do begin, we may begin with some sort of method, and that I may arrange the children's lessons accordingly." time I was much annoyed at the idea; but I have since had reason to think that Mrs. Tower respected me none the less for wishing to ascertain my duties before entering upon them. The afternoon I had to myself, and I spent "It depends so much upon circumstances," it in writing a long letter home, in which I began Margaret. "Please, some more bread," said Flora presently. felt it most wise and kind to keep out of sight | jam. She gave consent, and produced the my trials and vexations, and to enlarge upon key of a cupboard in the schoolroom, where all that I had heen able to discover likely to some jam was always kept, with tea and suconduce to my happiness. My mother and gar, and a few other groceries. Madeleine, in rejoicing over the cheerful tone in which it was written, little guessed how many large tear-drops fell on the blottingpaper by my side, as I recalled their dear faces, and alluded to many things associated with home. And so it is best; every mortal has his own share of sorrow, and it is the first duty of those who love, to refrain from adding one burden to the many that are already weighing down to earth the spirits of those they love. At six o'clock Flora and Stephen came to the schoolroom for their tea; and as I consider punctuality to be one of the first duties of a governess, whether as regards practising it herself, or enforcing it upon others, I rang the bell, and tea was almost immediately brought by the under-housemaid, a good-tempered country girl, who had not long been at the Park. I made the tea and cut the bread and butter before Margaret and Robert appeared; and I had also time to warn Flora that I should not allow any interference on her part with Robert, as their mamma had given me authority over both. Margaret came in with her book in her hand, and placed herself before the tea-tray, and I seated myself at the opposite end of the table. All was peaceable until Robert appeared, and then the discussion of the previous night recommenced. "Flora, go and tell cook to send me up some soup or a sandwich." "Mamma doesn't allow you to have soup," began Flora. I laid my hand on Flora's shoulder to check her, and observed, "I cannot allow you to fetch things from the kitchen without your mamma's permission, Robert." He stared, and then said, "But she doesn't mind a bit. She has known me have it over and over again, and said nothing. It is only that spiteful little thing!" "Well," I said good-temperedly, "I will ask her to-morrow, and if she gives you leave, well and good. But I am sure you will not get any thing to-night, because it will put me in an uncomfortable position." "I had hardly any dinner," observed Robert, apologetically. "I am very sorry," I said sincerely. "Perhaps, if your mamma knew that, she might give you leave to have something with your tea. At all events, Robert, I will cut you as much bread and butter as you like." He made a face at the proffered fare, but took a thick slice which I offered him, and ate it with good-humor, at the same time asking Margaret if they might all have some "You have not finished what I gave you yet," I replied, resolved not to countenance waste of any description. "I don't like the crust," said the whining voice. "You must learn to like whatever is given you, my love," I said. "When I was a child I was never allowed to say what I liked or disliked. If I would not eat what was given me, I was forced to go without." 66 Margaret never eats crusts," persevered Flora. "Your sister does as she likes," I replied, "but you must do as I tell you. I cannot give you any more bread until that is eaten." Perceiving that I was determined, Flora yielded, and presently the crusts had disappeared. On the whole we had a much more quiet and orderly meal than the preceding night, and Margaret seemed sensible of the fact, for on leaving the room she observed, "I am glad you are here to keep them quiet, Miss Spenser. The schoolroom has been like a bear-garden ever since Miss Williams left.” I spent a tolerably happy evening, reading a little, and embroidering a collar that I destined for a birthday present to Madeleine. I cannot say that I felt less lonely, but I certainly felt less unsettled, and began to have hopes that when I had made myself a definite position in the house, and tauglit the children to be obedient, I might become moderately comfortable; and there was at least great salisfaction in knowing that, so far from being a burden upon those at home, I was likely to be able to render them some assistance. The thought that I was working for my dear mother, as well as myself, bore me up then, and has often done so since, in times of difficulty and depression. CHAPTER IV. A FEW weeks saw my position at Cheverell Park more clearly defined, and infinitely pleasanter than I had at first dared hope it could ever be. When Mrs. Tower had ascertained that I was steady and regular, and bent upon fulfilling my duties, she appeared content to let me carry them out very much in my own way. Her elder daughters discovering that I had no wish to force myself into notice, or to aspire to any unbecoming rivalry with themselves, treated me with less hauteur; and finding that I never presumed, ceased to think it necessary to remind me by look or tone that I was in a position inferior to theirs. Mr. Tower was kind and friendly, but took little notice of me, and gradually Itual hunger, and he not unfrequently at these sank into a quiet, unobtrusive place, going times heard of the jam-tart or apple-dumpabout my own duties methodically, and al- lings that Flora and Robert had been enjoylowing other people to go about theirs, in a ing, the result soon proved the scheme to have way that I now believe is the only plan by been successful. The sullenness came at which a governess can insure kind and civil longer intervals, and was of shorter duration treatment, and a peaceful life, in any family each time, and I felt very grateful to Mrs. constituted like that into which my lot had Tower for allowing me to take these measfallen. Of course, there was not a day, or an ures for his improvement. hour, in which I did not feel strongly, and Robert was my friend from the commencesometimes bitterly, that I was but a government. I never had any difficulty in controless; yet, by having resolutely faced the fact ling him; and the cause of dispute at the from the first, I found that it was not unendur-tea-table was happily settled by his mamma able, and I rested upon the certain conviction giving me discretionary power to send to the that if God saw fit, he would release me from the state of dependency as soon, and in the manner that he deemed wisest. kitchen, for an egg or a sandwich for him, whenever I judged that there was ground for the request. I was surprised and pleased to I think now, that I did not at the time fully find how readily he bowed to my decision, realize how greatly I built upon this conviction. and with what good-humor he ate his bread It was a never-failing source of strength and and butter, when I found it necessary to recomfort to me. It bore me up through every fuse a petition for something more savory. vexation and soothed the feelings of depres- I had a good deal sometimes to put up with sion and despair that at times visited me. It from his noisy, boisterous ways, and endured brought me peace in many a wakeful hour of a few rather unpleasant practical jokes; but the night, and gave a hopeful tone to the let-there was so much to like and admire in his ters I wrote home. I do not think it was a character, and so many acts of rough kindwrong feeling; I am more inclined to believe that it was sent in mercy, to give me strength to bear up beneath the trials of the new and strange life. With my pupils I had not much trouble. In less than a week Flora and Stephen were wholly under my authority, and I think it was a sensible relief to the rest of the household as soon as this was the case. I found very little in Flora to attach myself to, and many sly actions, and much falsehood and deceit, that only time could be expected to eradicate; but she was a clever girl, and I took an interest in pushing forward her studies, and developing her talent for music, which was considerable. I did not think her faults hopeless, and some slight symptons of amendment soon gave me encouragement to set my mind diligently upon improving her morally, as well as intellectually. ness to atone for his mischievous pranks, that I found it easy to overlook them, and laugh off any little annoyance I might feel. I am sure I rose high in his estimation in consequence, and suffered less from his love of teasing than any person would have done who had resented the playful offence. Perhaps Margaret was my greatest trouble. While she merely paid me the compliment of studying with me for a short two hours every day, going through her various occupations in a brusque, business-like way, we got on well enough, and I found nothing of which to complain. But the time unhappily came when it pleased her to adopt a more familiar tone; when the visits to the schoolroom were not looked upon as a necessary evil, and when, instead of settling instantly to work, she chose to begin with a little gossip, to indulge in a little more between each employment, and Stephen was, I think, a little dull, and cer- perhaps to spend half an hour gossiping when tainly not a little obstinate. Sometimes he the studies were over. I wished to check resolutely refused to learn, and would pretend this propensity in her, but found it more diffito be unable to spell words of three letters. cult than I imagined, without giving her seriThreats and ordinary punishments had no ef- ous offence, which I was loath to do. There fect whatever upon him. He never cried, but was so little in common between us that we stood sullen, with his thumb in his mouth, and could talk about, that the gossiping propenmight have been deaf and dumb and blind to sity soon led her to chatter about affairs in judge by the stony indifference he assumed. which I had no concern, and on which I I bore this patiently for some time, constantly would as soon have been ignorant. It was hoping for some signs of amendment; but far better for me that I should not know that when none were forthcoming, I appealed to Helen Tower had a penchant for Captain Mrs. Tower, and obtained her permission to Rymer, and that Mrs. Tower disapproved of make him dine alone in the schoolroom, when-it, and tried in every way to cross it, because ever one of these obstinate fits was upon Captain Rymer was of no family, as Margaret him; and as I only allowed him sufficient worded it, and not particularly well off. I fare, of the simplest description, to satisfy ac- had the uncomfortable conviction that if it |