But Uncle John—Uncle Johns, by-the-way, if they happen to be on the mother’s side, and old bachelors at that, are proverbially inclined to interfere with the home-management of their nieces—had, as usual, a word to say after he was alone with Mrs. Dainty.
“Don’t have any thing of the kind,” said he. “Be governess to your own children.”
“But I’m not equal to the task. It will kill me. See how thin and pale I am getting; and my nerves are in a terrible condition.”
“No wonder.”
“Why?”
“Dissipation will destroy any woman’s nerves.”
“Dissipation! Why, Uncle John!”
“How many nights were you out last week?”
“Only three.”
“Only three! and each time until long after midnight. Dancing, late hours, hot suppers, and confectionery! No wonder your nerves are shattered! Such a life would kill me up in half a year.”