I replied that my affairs lay chiefly in caring for and being with my
children; to which she returned that she feared I should not suit
her, as she had her own views concerning the training of children.
She added, with condescension, that at all events she should expect
in any case of difference (of judgment)between us, that I, being the
younger and least experienced of the two, should always yield to her.
She then went on to give me her views on the subject of nursery
management.
"In the first place," she said, "I never pet or fondle children. It
makes them babyish and sickly."
"Oh, I see you will not suit me," I cried. "You need go no farther. I
consider love the best educator for a little child."
"Indeed, I think I shall suit you perfectly," she replied, nothing
daunted. "I have been in the business twenty years, and have always
suited wherever I lived. You will be surprised to see how much sewing
I shall accomplish, and how quiet I shall keep the children."
"But I don't want them kept quiet," I persisted. "I want them to be
as merry and cheerful as crickets, and I care a great deal more to
have them amused than to have the sewing done, though that is
important, I confess."
"Very well, ma'am, I will sit and rock them by the hour if you wish
it."
"But I don't wish it," I cried, exasperated at the coolness which
gave her such an advantage over me.
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