“Yes, all that is very well, but there should be a systematic course of study, which, I fancy, you are not quite competent to direct.”
“Try me,” said Alice. “I have not been idle all my life, nor all my life occupied exclusively with the eating, drinking, and wearing interests of our family. I have found time to cultivate my mind, for Elsie’s sake. I have read and reflected much. I expected to be Elsie’s only teacher. I have been, hitherto. And I wish, above all things, to continue to be. Then I shall feel better assured of her best good; better assured that her affections will not run to waste while her intellect is cultivated.”
“‘A little learning is a dangerous thing.’ It makes anyone conceited—especially, I think, a woman who has few opportunities of comparing her ignorance with other people’s knowledge,” muttered General Garnet to himself. Then slightly raising his voice, he said: “No, Alice, it will not do. Elsie cannot remain under your tuition. I have other and wiser plans for her.”
“I suppose,” said Alice, in a low voice, “that you are thinking of employing a private governess or tutor. Well, if you think it best——”
“No, Alice, I have no faith in governesses, and I totally disapprove of private tutors for young ladies. My intention is to send Elsie to a boarding-school for the next six or seven years.”
“To boarding-school for seven years! Elsie, my darling, my only one, away from me for so long! She!—so young!—to go among total strangers for so long! No! you cannot mean it!” exclaimed Alice, rising and wringing her hands.
“Sit down, Mrs. Garnet, and listen to me.”
Alice sank into her seat again, and listened.
“There is no female academy of the first class in this country, I am sorry to say; none, at least, at which I should like to place our only daughter.”
Alice’s hopes raised; she thought she might have misunderstood what he had said before—her mind was so confused. She hastened to say: