"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.