"No, Ellen—not just that; but I have been thinking how unpleasant and difficult it will be."
"Do you think so? I think I shall like it."
"So should I, Ellen, if I were sure that the children would all be smart, and pleasant tempered; but it must be very hard to teach dull children; and if they are obstinate and ill-tempered we shall be so apt to become impatient with them, and then, you know, all comfort will be at an end."
"But I don't see why you should think they will be dull; I am sure Susy and Martha Maclean seemed to be very pleasant children."
"So they did, but there are four other children, you know, whom Mrs. Maclean has engaged for us, and of whom we know nothing."
"Well, I dare say they are clever children. For my part I don't think children are ever ill-tempered unless people are cross to them, and if you are afraid that I shall be cross to your scholars, Mary—"
Mary interrupted Ellen's hasty speech, saying in a gentle tone, "I am afraid, dear Ellen, that our scholars will often tire us and try our patience very much; but Uncle Villars says that whatever we do, we should do cheerfully, so I will not talk of my fears any more."