“Very well. My family contemplate going abroad in about one week; the steamer sails the tenth, I believe. We have been trying for several weeks to find some person competent to superintend the education of my two younger daughters, and act as a sort of companion and interpreter for them during their travels. Now, will you accept this position and accompany us to Europe?”
“How long do you contemplate remaining abroad?” Brownie asked, after a few moments spent in thought, and greatly surprised at this offer.
“A year, at least; probably longer, if the girls and their mother enjoy it.”
“How old are your daughters, Mr. Coolidge?”
“Viola is sixteen, Alma is fourteen. I have another who is twenty, but I believe she considers her education completed, although I think she said something about studying the languages a little more while she is abroad.”
“Have the young ladies completed any course as yet?” Brownie asked, wishing to know something of their attainments before deciding.
“No; I regret to say, they have not. Their mother was unwilling they should attend any public institution, so they have had private teachers, and I am afraid they have not improved their advantages as they should have done.”
“Indeed, they have not!” exclaimed Mr. Alcott, excitedly. “They have behaved shamefully about it, and are a couple of ignoramuses.”
Brownie laughed as he said this, then asked:
“And do you think, sir, that I am capable of instructing them, if older and wiser teachers have failed?”