sweet dispositions.

MISS P.--Ah, she takes after her grandmamma Bonnington!

MRS. B.--But George was sadly fractious just now in the school-room
because I tried him with a tract.

MISS P.--Let us hope for better times! Do be with your children, dear
Mrs. Bonnington, as constantly as ever you can, for MY sake as well as
theirs! I want protection and advice as well as they do. The GOVERNESS,
dear lady, looks up to you as well as the pupils; SHE wants the teaching
which you and dear Mr. Bonnington can give her! Ah, why could not Mr.
and Mrs. Bonnington come and live here, I often think? The children
would have companions in their dear young uncles and aunts; so pleasant
it would be. The house is quite large enough; that is, if her ladyship
did not occupy the three south rooms in the left wing. Ah, why, WHY
couldn't you come?

MRS. B.--You are a kind, affectionate creature, Miss Prior. I do not
very much like the gentleman who recommended you to Arabella, you know.
But I do think he sent my son a good governess for his children.

Two Ladies walk up and down in front garden.

TOUCHIT enters.

TOUCHIT.--Miss Julia Prior, you are a wonder! I watch you with respect
and surprise.

MISS P.--Me! what have I done? a poor friendless governess--respect ME?

TOUCHIT.--I have a mind to tell those two ladies what I think of Miss
Julia Prior. If they knew you as I know you, O Julia Prior, what a short
reign yours would be!

MISS P.--I have to manage them a little. Each separately it is not so
difficult. But when they are together, oh, it is very hard sometimes.

Enter MILLIKEN dressed, shakes hands with Miss P.

MILLIKEN.--Miss Prior! are you well? Have the children been good? and
learned all their lessons?

MISS P.--The children are pretty good, sir.

MILLIKEN.--Well, that's a great deal as times go. Do not bother them
with too much learning, Miss Prior. Let them have an easy life. Time
enough for trouble when age comes.

Enter John.

JOHN.--Dinner, sir. [And exit.]

MILLIKEN.--Dinner, ladies. My Lady Kicklebury (gives arm to Lady K).

LADY K.--My dear Horace, you SHOULDN'T shake hands with Miss Prior. You
should keep people of that class at a distance, my dear creature. [They
go in to dinner, Captain TOUCHIT following with Mrs. BONNINGTON. As they
go out, enter MARY with children's tea-tray, &c., children following,
and after them Mrs. PRIOR. MARY gives her tea.]

MRS. PRIOR.--Thank you, Mary! You are so very