work in astonishment exclaiming, "You a governess, Agnes! What can you be dreaming of?"
"Well! I don't see anything so very extraordinary in it. I do not pretend to be able to instruct great girls; but surely I could teach little ones. . .and I should like it so much. . .I am so fond of children. Do let me mama!"
"But my love you have not learnt to take care of yourself yet; and young children require more judgment and experience to manage than elder ones."
"But mama, I am above eighteen and, quite able to take care of myself, and others too. You do not know half the wisdom and prudence I possess, because I have never been tried."
"Only think," said Mary, "what would you do in a house full of strangers, without me or mama 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."
