The Angel and The Demon CHAPTER 4.
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The manner in which Florence Harper met the insolence of Mrs. Dainty — we give her conduct its true designation — chafed that high-spirited lady exceedingly. She could neither forget nor forgive such conduct in an inferior. What right had she to exhibit an independent spirit? — to show a womanly pride which would not brook an outrage? The very thought made the hot blood leap along the veins of indignant Mrs. Dainty. Oh, yes. She would "have it out with her!"
So, toward the middle of the afternoon, Florence was sent for, and she went down to the sitting-room where Mrs. Dainty was alone. Uncle John was on the alert. He had remained in his own room, listening, with the door ajar, for nearly an hour, and heard the summons given to Florence. He was in the sitting-room almost as soon as she was, and in time to prevent an interview, the result of which would, in all probability, be the withdrawal of Miss Harper from the family. His niece looked at him with a frown as he entered. An offensive interrogation was just on her tongue, but she repressed the words, substituting therefor this query:
"When did we fix the hours of study for the children, Miss Harper?"
"On the day before yesterday, ma'am," replied Florence, in a calm, respectful voice.
"I never had anything to say to you on the subject!" Mrs. Dainty lost temper — and, of course, dignity and self-respect.
"Was not ten o'clock mentioned by you as the hour when it would be best to commence the lessons?" inquired Florence.
"If it was, that doesn't mean fixing all the hours of study!"
"You said you wished Agnes to begin with French," said Florence, quietly.
"Well, suppose I did — what then?"
"Only, that I understood you to mean that you wished her to let French constitute her first lesson, as most important. You will, no doubt, remember that I approved this, as her mind would always come fresh to the study."
"Approved!" Mrs. Dainty could not repress this manifestation of contempt.
"You will also remember, that you spoke of the hour from twelve to one as most suitable for music."
Miss Harper looked at the excited lady with a steady gaze.
"And upon that — you based a set of arbitrary rules, and tried to enforce them by representing me as their author!"
"No, madam, I did no such thing." Florence drew her slender form up to its full height, and looked calmly, steadily, and with an air of dignified self-respect upon Mrs. Dainty. "I simply remained firm to my duty when Agnes wished to begin with music; and said to her, that the hours of study had been arranged in consultation with you, and that I had no authority to change them. So I understood the matter, and, in my action, simply regarded the good of your child. I did not, of course, permit my pupil to direct the plan of study — and only yielded a reference to you, in order to make my firmness of purpose the less offensive to her pride. And you must forgive me, madam, for saying, that it is neither just to me nor your children, thus to react upon my honest efforts to meet your wishes in regard to their studies, and serve at the same time their best interests as a teacher. I wish, for the sake of your children, you knew me better. As it is, if you desire me to remain their instructor, you must either fix the hours and subjects of study in so plain a way that no one can mistake them — or leave it altogether in my hands. In either case, I will guarantee submission on the part of the children."
The outraged pride of Mrs. Dainty broke through the pressure of involuntary respect which the dignified, resolute, perfectly independent manner of the young teacher had inspired, and the word, "Impertinent!" was on her lips, when Uncle John said —
"Miss Harper is clearly right, and I am pleased to know that she has acted with so much firmness and so much prudence. She is entitled to praise, not blame."
Mrs. Dainty waved her hand for the governess to leave the room. Without a word, or the slightest apparent hesitation, Miss Harper retired.
"Uncle John!" Mrs. Dainty turned angrily upon the old gentleman the moment they were alone, "I am out of all patience with you! What chance have I to command respect frominferiors in my house, if you step in to justify them to my face, when I am attempting to blame improper actions? It's an outrage, and I won't have it!"
"There is only one way to command the respect of your household, Madeline," replied Uncle John, "and that is, to treat them with kindness and justice. You may demand respect from those whom you regard as your inferiors, forever; but, unless your actions toward them are marked with dignity and ladylike self-possession — your command will be no more heeded, than was that of the old British king who commanded the waves of the sea to stop their advancing course. Respect or contempt is an independent thing, and always has free course. If a lady desires the first, she has to do something more than utter her proud behest. She has got to deserve it; and, if she fails in this, she will surely have the last — contempt."
"I don't wish to hear any more of that," replied Mrs. Dainty, curtly. "I hardly think it fair to seek a justification of your own conduct, by turning around and assailing me. What right had you to approve Miss Harper's conduct to her face, when I was blaming her?"
"The common right which everyone has to drag another from the brink of a precipice over which he is about blindly casting himself. I have observed Miss Harper very closely since she has been in the house, and at times when she could not be aware of this observation. When you have been out visiting — I have been at home, watching her deportment among the children; and it has always been kind, wise, and consistent. There has been no shadow of that domineering spirit of which you seem so nervously afraid, but always a firmness which knew just how far to yield, and how far to be immovable. I happened to hear all that passed in regard to the French and music lessons. Agnes was all to blame — and Florence was all right. It was beautiful to see with what a gentle dignity Florence met the efforts of Agnes to be mistress instead of scholar, and how wisely she subdued your daughter's rebellious pride. She gave no offence in doing so, but really won upon her kind feelings; and, but for the opportunity given her pride to speak out its mortification — you would never have heard a word of complaint.
"You will thus understand," continued Uncle John, "why I threw in a word of justification in time to prevent the utterance of language on your part, which would inevitably have resulted in the loss of a governess for your children, who has already gained more power over them for good than any other being in the world possesses. And now, Madeline, let me warn you against any further exhibitions of passion, pride, or contempt toward one into whose hands you have committed the well-being of your children. Seek to elevate, not depress her. Treat her with respect and consideration — and your children will do the same. You make her the guide, counselor, and companion of your children. Think of the vast influence she must exercise over them! The work of forming their young minds — of directing their characters — is in her hands, not yours. The mother's high prerogative — you choose to delegate to one regarded as an inferior. Happily, in this case, the choice of a representative has not been foolishly made. In all respects, Miss Harper is qualified for her position, and, if sustained in it, will act her part nobly. She is no common person, let me tell you, but one of superior mind, high moral worth, and almost perfect accomplishments — in a word, a role-model for your children! But she is, at the same time, a young woman with too much self-respect to bear your haughty, insulting manners. If you wish to keep her, therefore — you must not repeat the offences of today."
"Does she expect me to curtsy every time I meet her, and to say, 'If you please,' and 'By your permission, miss'?" The lips of Mrs. Dainty curled, and she looked very scornful.
"No — nothing of the kind. Only that you shall treat her with common decency — which you have not done!" Uncle John was provoked.
"You are quite complimentary, I must confess," said Mrs. Dainty, with an offended manner.
"I speak the truth, and that is always the highest compliment I shall ever pay you, my foolish niece!" retorted Uncle John, who used his prerogative, in most cases, to the full extent.
"I think we had better drop this subject," said Mrs. Dainty.
"Very well; let it drop now. I will renew it again when your feelings are less excited, and your judgment is less obscured. Only let me repeat my warning about Miss Harper. You have an angel in your dwelling — let her remain to bless your children. But the guest will not remain, if you treat her as though she were a demon."
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