'Only think,' said Mary, 'what would you do in a house full of
strangers, without me or mamma to speak and act for you--with a
parcel of children, besides yourself, to attend to; and no one to
look to for advice? You would not even know what clothes to put
on.'

'You think, because I always do as you bid me, I have no judgment
of my own: but only try me--that is all I ask--and you shall see
what I can do.'

At that moment my father entered and the subject of our discussion
was explained to him.

'What, my little Agnes a governess!' cried he, and, in spite of his
dejection, he laughed at the idea.

'Yes, papa, don't YOU say anything against it: I should like it so
much; and I am sure I could manage delightfully.'

'But, my darling, we could not spare you.' And a tear glistened in
his eye as he added--'No, no! afflicted as we are, surely we are
not brought to that pass yet.'

'Oh, no!' said my mother. 'There is no necessity whatever for such
a step; it is merely a whim of her own. So you must hold your
tongue, you naughty girl; for, though you are so ready to leave us,
you know very well we cannot part with YOU.'

I was silenced for that day, and for many succeeding ones; but