Page 194 - agnes-grey

rather wounded the more deeply, because, from that very
reason, it seemed to preclude selfdefence. Frequently, I was
told to amuse Miss Matilda with other things, and to re-
mind her of her mother’s precepts and prohibitions. I did
so to the best of my power: but she would not be amused
against her will, and could not against her taste; and though
I went beyond mere reminding, such gentle remonstrances
as I could use were utterly ineffectual.
‘DEAR Miss Grey! it is the STRANGEST thing. I suppose
you can’t help it, if it’s not in your nature—but I WONDER
you can’t win the confidence of that girl, and make your
society at LEAST as agreeable to her as that of Robert or
Joseph!’
‘They can talk the best about the things in which she is
most interested,’ I replied.
‘Well! that is a strange confession, HOWEVER, to come
from her GOVERNESS! Who is to form a young lady’s
tastes, I wonder, if the governess doesn’t do it? I have known
governesses who have so completely identified themselves
with the reputation of their young ladies for elegance and
propriety in mind and manners, that they would blush to
speak a word against them; and to hear the slightest blame
imputed to their pupils was worse than to be censured in
their own persons—and I really think it very natural, for
my part.’
‘Do you, ma’am?’
‘Yes, of course: the young lady’s proficiency and elegance
is of more consequence to the governess than her own, as
well as to the world. If she wishes to prosper in her voca-

194 Agnes Grey