DONATED EV

TALES

MERCANTILE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

NEW YORK CITY

OF

"THE WHITEBOY," "THE OUTLAW," "MARIAN," ETC.

THIS BOOK-a new edition of one long "out of print," which I have carefully revised, and to which I have made several additions, principally from "Chambers' Edinburgh Journal”—I dedicate to you, with feelings of warm affection. I offer it in testimony of the happy knowledge that your influence has ever been exerted for good in all the relations of life—as daughter, wife, mother, and friend; and I rejoice in this expression of an earnest friendship, the growth of many years.

The Rosery, Old Brompton,

November, 1846.

Your attached friend,

ANNA MARIA HALL.

TALES OF WOMAN'S TRIALS.

THE GOVERNESS.

PART THE FIRST.

I HEAD my advertisement thus:--" Wanted -a governess," commenced Mrs. Gresham, who had called upon her sister, Mrs. Hylier, to consult concerning the important document; Mrs. Gresham and Mrs. Hylier being both in want of resident governesses to educate their children. A visitor was also present, a Mrs. Ryal, confessedly the "most clever woman" of the neighborhood- an astonishing manager; but although the ladies desired her advice, they were somewhat in dread of her sarcasm.

Mrs. Gresham had repeated, "Wanted- a governess," when an old gentleman, a Mr. Byfield, was announced. The trio of wives and mothers looked at each other, as if to say, "What a bore!”—and then Mrs. Hylier rose gracefully from her chaise longue, and, smiling sweetly, extended her hand, and welcomed Mr. Byfield with exceeding warmth of manner; while Mrs. Gresham and Mrs. Ryal declared aloud their delight at being so fortunate as to meet a neighbor they had so rarely the pleasure

to see.

The party thus assembled were all inhabitants of the bustling yet courtly suburb of Kensington; and Mr. Byfield being a rich and influential, though a very eccentric, man, was sure of the deference which people of small means are too prone to exhibit toward those whose fortunes are ample.

"Oh, very good-very good," replied Mrs. Ryal; "then add, also, Greek; if the governess be any thing of a classic, you'll get both for the same money."

"Thank you, dear Mrs. Ryal; how clever you are! G-r-there are two 'ees' in Greek?-also the rudiments of Latin and Greek."

"I beg your pardon once more," said the provokingly "clever lady;" "but make it Greek and Latin: that is the correct way."

"Greek and Latin, and the principles of drawing-if her character will bear the strictest investigation, may hear of a highly respectable situation by applying to Z.P."

"Post-paid," again suggested Mrs. Ryal.

"The children are so young." "But they grow older every day." "Indeed that is true," observed pretty Mrs. Hylier with a sigh, and a glance at the pierglass. My Ellen, though only ten, looks thirteen. I wish her papa would let her go to school; but one of his sisters imbibed some odd philosophic notions at school, so that he won't hear of it."

"Do not let me interrupt you in the least, ladies," said the old man, quietly taking his seat near the window. "Mr. Hylier promised I Certainly," observed Mrs. Ryal, "I will should look over these pictures by daylight; never again take a governess into my house to and when you have talked your own talk, there reside they are all exigeants. One was will be time enough for mine." The ladies, one imprudent enough to wish to get married, and all, declared their conviction that his "talk" and expected to come into the drawing-room must be more pleasant and instructive than when there was company of an evening. Antheirs. He smiled-shook his head-touched other would have a bedroom to herself; his hat (which he had laid at his feet), as if to though, I am sure, no one could object to sleep say he would either go or have his own way; in the same room with my own maid. Another and so Mrs. Gresham recommenced reading--really the world is very depraved-occasioned "Wanted-a governess. Any lady possessing a sound English education, a thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of instrumental and vocal music, and a perfect acquaintance with the French, Italian, and German languages; also with the rudiments of Latin :"

a painful difference between Mr. Ryal and myself; and let that be a warning to you, my dear friends, not to admit any pretty, quiet, senti mental young ladies into your domestic circles. Mr. Ryal is a very charming man, and a good man; but men are but men, after all, and can be managed by any one who will flatter them a little. Of course he is a man of the highest honor; but there is no necessity for having a person in the house who plays and sings better than one's self."

"Oh, my dear Mrs. Ryal!" exclaimed both voices, "you need never fear comparison with any one." The jealous lady looked pleased, but