The Argosy — page 21: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

The Village Blacksmith. 9 **T sent for you, as you express it, though hardly correctly, because you are summoned by the School Board for not sending your daughter Mary Jane Canter to school on four consecutive Mondays ; the charge is, I believe, correct ?” ** Quite, sir; and I never intend to send her on any Monday, conse- cutive or nut. Mary Jane never has been to school on a Monday, and so long as I live Mary Jane never will go to school on a Monday.” And Mrs. Canter looked sternly over her mountainous expanse of chest at her diminutive judge as she delivered her soul of this senti- ment. ‘“* May I ask why?” ‘““Monday is washing-day, Mr. Tempest,” said Mrs. Canter, as solemnly as if she were announcing the Day of Judgment. “Oh! ah! humph! I really don’t see the connection. Would you kindly explain to the Board why that interesting fact should inter- fere with your daughter’s education ?’”’ demanded Mr. Ryot Tempest, in the precise, measured tones in which he always spoke. ‘TI should have thought their own common sense might have told them that, without my explaining. Now I ask you, ladies and gentle- men, do you think it possible for me or any woman to stand at a wash-tub from four in the morning till nine at night, to get breakfast, dinner and tea for six children and myself; to dress and take the little ones to school; and to mind and nurse an unweaned infant, without any help? Could any of you do it? Could you do it yourself, Mr. Tempest ?” No one responded to this challenge. The jovial squire and the widow could with difficulty restrain their laughter, the maiden lady was shocked. Mr. Ryot Tempest, aware of his inability to fulfil these various duties, was at a loss for a reply, so Mrs. Canter con- tinued :; “You know there isn’t one of you at that table that could do it; no human being could ; and I am not an angel,” she somewhat super fuously added. ‘*You are not, indeed; and no one expects you to do impossi- bilities ; but I still fail to see what all this has to do with your keeping Mary Jane from school,” said the Rector. “‘ Why, sir, I keep her to wash and dress the children, to get the meals ready, and to mind the baby.” “T see. But unfortunately for you, Mrs. Canter, the Government insists upon your sending your children to school ; it does not take all these domestic obstacles into consideration.” ‘* Then the Government is a fool !” exclaimed Mrs. Canter; which so amused the squire that he made no attempt to conceal his laughter, whilst Mr. Ryot Tempest dare not venture to contradict this opinion, so unflattering to the legislature of his country. “Let me see: Mary Jane is twelve years old, isn’t she?” said the Rector, referring to his papers. GOnnGaoOo SS CO