FullReads

LADY K.–Of Mrs. Bonnington? Of Mr. Milliken’s mother; of the parson’s wife who writes out his stupid sermons, and has half a dozen children of her own? I should think NOT indeed! I am the natural protector of these children. I am their mother. I have no husband! You STAY in this house, Miss Prior. You are a faithful, attached creature–though you were sent in by somebody I don’t like very much [pointing to TOUCHIT, who went off laughing when JULIA began her speech, and is now looking at prints, etc., in next room].

MISS P.–Captain Touchit may not be in all things what one could wish. But his kindness has formed the happiness of my life in making me acquainted with YOU, ma’am: and I am sure you would not have me be ungrateful to him.

LADY K.–A most highly principled young woman. [Goes out in garden and walks up and down with Captain TOUCHIT.]

Enter Mrs. BONNINGTON.

MISS P.–Oh, how glad I am you are come, Mrs. Bonnington. Have you brought me that pretty hymn you promised me? You always keep your promises, even to poor governesses. I read dear Mr. Bonnington’s sermon! It was so interesting that I really could not think of going to sleep until I had read it all through; it was delightful, but oh! it’s still better when he preaches it! I hope I did not do wrong in copying a part of it? I wish to impress it on the children. There are some worldly influences at work with them, dear madam [looking at Lady K. in the garden], which I do my feeble effort to–to modify. I wish YOU could come oftener.

MRS. B.–I will try, my dear–I will try. Emily has sweet dispositions.

MISS P.–Ah, she takes after her grandmamma Bonnington!

MRS. B.–But George was sadly fractious just now in the school-room because I tried him with a tract.

MISS P.–Let us hope for better times! Do be with your children, dear Mrs. Bonnington, as constantly as ever you can, for MY sake as well as theirs! I want protection and advice as well as they do. The GOVERNESS, dear lady, looks up to you as well as the pupils; SHE wants the teaching which you and dear Mr. Bonnington can give her! Ah, why could not Mr. and Mrs. Bonnington come and live here, I often think? The children would have companions in their dear young uncles and aunts; so pleasant it would be. The house is quite large enough; that is, if her ladyship did not occupy the three south rooms in the left wing. Ah, why, WHY couldn’t you come?

MRS. B.–You are a kind, affectionate creature, Miss Prior. I do not very much like the gentleman who recommended you to Arabella, you know. But I do think he sent my son a good governess for his children.

Two Ladies walk up and down in front garden.

TOUCHIT enters.

TOUCHIT.–Miss Julia Prior, you are a wonder! I watch you with respect and surprise.

MISS P.–Me! what have I done? a poor friendless governess–respect ME?

TOUCHIT.–I have a mind to tell those two ladies what I think of Miss Julia Prior. If they knew you as I know you, O Julia Prior, what a short reign yours would be!

MISS P.–I have to manage them a little. Each separately it is not so difficult. But when they are together, oh, it is very hard sometimes.

Enter MILLIKEN dressed, shakes hands with Miss P.

MILLIKEN.–Miss Prior! are you well? Have the children been good? and learned all their lessons?

MISS P.–The children are pretty good, sir.

MILLIKEN.–Well, that’s a great deal as times go. Do not bother them with too much learning, Miss Prior. Let them have an easy life. Time enough for trouble when age comes.

Enter John.

JOHN.–Dinner, sir. [And exit.]

MILLIKEN.–Dinner, ladies. My Lady Kicklebury (gives arm to Lady K).

LADY K.–My dear Horace, you SHOULDN’T shake hands with Miss Prior. You should keep people of that class at a distance, my dear creature. [They go in to dinner, Captain TOUCHIT following with Mrs. BONNINGTON. As they go out, enter MARY with children’s tea-tray, etc., children following, and after them Mrs. PRIOR. MARY gives her tea.]