Having procured a governess for the children,—even if she were not all that was expected in the individual who was to fill so important a place,—our fashionable mother felt a weight of care removed from her shoulders. She could now go out when she pleased, and stay as long as she pleased, and not suffer from the troublesome consciousness that she was neglecting her children,—a species of dereliction that never escaped the watchful eyes of Uncle John, who had no hesitation about speaking plainly. Miss Harper’s experiences with the children on the first and second days were not very encouraging; and this was particularly so in the case of Agnes, whose conduct toward her was exceedingly offensive. On the third morning, this young lady positively refused to give her French recitation at the time required by Miss Harper, declaring that it was her wish to take a music-lesson. She had overheard her mother and Uncle John conversing on the subject of Miss Harper’s authority over the children, on which occasion Mrs. Dainty had said,— “I will have no iron rule with Agnes. Miss Harper must treat her with that respectful consideration to which a young lady in her position is entitled. There must be no petty domineering; no ordering with upstart authority; no laying down of law.” “Do you expect to be always present with Miss Harper in the school-room?” Uncle John asked quietly, as if he was really in earnest. “Of course not! What a preposterous idea!” replied Mrs. Dainty. “Then Miss Harper must have authority in your absence.” Uncle John spoke very decidedly. “Agnes will never submit to any authority from her.” “Why not from _her_, pray?” “Because Agnes has reached an age when she can comprehend the wide difference between their respective stations. She is almost a young lady.” “You are a weak woman, Madeline,” said Uncle John,—“a very weak woman, and I am almost out of patience with you. Now, do you wish to know, plainly, how I regard this matter?” “Not particularly.” Mrs. Dainty gaped as she spoke. “You shall know, for all your well-bred indifference,” said Uncle John, a little sharply. “In my opinion, Miss Harper is in every way the superior to Agnes, and, if I am not vastly mistaken, will in a few years be recognised, in society, as superior.” “Society!” Mrs. Dainty curled her lip. “What do you mean by society?” “Something more perhaps than you mean,” was answered. “Men and women recognised by common consent as superior to the mass.” “Well, you can talk as you please, and think as you please, Uncle John; but I’m not going to have Agnes domineered over by this plebeian girl, and if she attempt any thing of the kind, she will get her immediate dismissal.” All of this was heard by Agnes, who very naturally made up her mind to be the director of her own studies in the absence of her mother. “I wish to take my music-lesson now,” she said, when the governess asked for her French recitation.