“She has demanded nothing,” replied Uncle John,—”suggested nothing, intimated nothing. I saw her, and told her of our trouble. She came, at my solicitation, to help us; and her services can never be repaid. Her presence in the house seemed like the presence of an angel. You asked her to remain, and she consented, but without stipulation. And now, in the beginning of this restored relationship, it is for us to consider well the subject and to define her position. The higher we lift her, so far as external things are concerned, the greater power for good will she possess. The teacher, guide, and daily companion of our children should be our social equal. How else can the governess, to whom so high an office is delegated, lift them up to our level? An inferior the companion and instructor of our children! Think of it. Can the coarse, unskilled hands of an inferior mould into forms of spiritual beauty the yielding and impressible elements of a child’s mind,—that sublime structure over which angels bend in silent wonder? An inferior for this work! God forbid! Choose, rather, the wisest and the best, and give her the place of honor in your household. Honor her for her gifts and graces; and your children, honoring her also, will be drawn within the circle of her heavenly attractions. Edward! Madeline! There is an angel in your house to-day. You cannot hold her by the rough hands of gain; she will not be bribed to stay: let me beg of you, then, to reach out to her the right hand of a glad welcome. Agnes, George, and Madeline have already perceived her true quality. Confirm their perceptions by your free acknowledgment, and her influence over them will be immeasurably increased.”
“What do you mean, Uncle John? Speak out in plain words,” said Mrs. Dainty.
“Put her upon a social equality with yourself.”
“How?”
“If she were your sister, what then?”
“She is not.”
“But if she were? Then she would sit with you at table; she would meet your friends; she would be a trusted companion.”
“She is not my sister,” answered Mrs. Dainty.
“Suppose she were the daughter, or adopted daughter, of a valued friend or wealthy citizen?”
“That would alter the case. But she is not.”