The Argosy — page 165: what you’re looking at

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

Parkwater. 155 “She came this evening ; she is our new governess.” “Hush, Rose,” cried the more dignified Laura. ‘Papa, it is Miss May. 93 Rose thought that quite enough. She pulled his arm to draw his attention. “ Papa, why did not Uncle Tody come ?” “‘ Uncle Tody is gone to London, Rose.” ‘And taken my doll and gondola with him?” Rose seemed to think as of this “ Uncle Tody.” “ That lady in the drawing-room took me by surprise, Bessie,” re- marked the Earl to his wife, as they strolled out together after tea. “ Rose gave me the imformation that she was a ‘ new governess.’ ” ““So she is. I sent you word that I had ‘engaged one when I wrote to—where was it ?—Sicily.” * Did you? I do not remember it.” “Yes, I did. Do you think she looks as if she would suit ?” ‘‘ Dear Bessie, that’s one of your fallacies—judging by ‘looks.’ Did you engage this one for her looks? ” ‘I never saw her until this evening. Why?” added the Countess, with quick apprehension. ‘“ Do you not like her looks?” “ Oh, her looks are well enough: if her capabilities equal them, she’ll do. She does not think a little of herself, I can see that. Where did you get her from P” ‘“‘I wrote to London, to Lady Langton. She heard of her through an agency, I think. I left it all to Lady Langton. Miss May’s style of playing is good, I am told, and her French that of a native.” “Um!” said the Earl. ‘‘ What of her English ?” “Oh, Frank ! you speak as if you did not think well of it.” “IT fancy her tone—her accent, perhaps I should rather say—-is not quite as pure and perfect as it mightbe. It does not give one the idea that she has mixed in good society.” Now, Lady Tennygal had a doubt on her mind that she had noticed the same. But she had entire faith in Lady Langton. ‘“ Perhaps we may be mistaken, Frank dear,” she said. ‘1 do so hope she will suit.” ‘So do I, I am sure,” assented the good-natured Earl. ‘Is she a gentlewoman, Bessie ?” “Oh, yes.” ‘Who are her friends ?” “Solicitors ; eminent solicitors. That is, her father was. He is dead, I think. I wiil find Lady Langton’s letters for you. I know my letter to Miss May, the one I wrote to ratify the agreement, was addressed to the care of Lyvett, Castlerosse, and Lyvett, a first- rate legal firm of long standing, Lady Langton says, and they strongly recommended her.” “ Lyvett, Castlerosse, and Lyvett!” repeated the Earl. “I know the firm well by reputation: most honourable practitioners. If they ECOMicbooolkxs.com