That reminds me! I have not heard the sound of your voice yet;
I am much governed by intonation in my estimates of people, and usually
form a perfect opinion at first sight. Be good enough to read this
item," and he handed me the morning paper, formally indicating it with
his long, lithe forefinger. It was from one of Mr. Clay's speeches. I
did as he requested, without hesitation.
"People trot out horses and negroes when they wish to purchase; why not
governesses?" I questioned, dumbly. "He did well to ask no references;
his examination is thorough, I perceive," and I laid the paper down,
half amused, half provoked, when I had finished. He was gazing at me
open-mouthed--no unusual thing with him, I found later--and was silent
for a few moments.
"Splendid! admirable!" he exclaimed, suddenly; "both, voice and
elocution perfect--you possess the greatest of all accomplishments,
madam, next to conversational excellence," rising to his feet, and
bowing low and seating himself again, in a formal way of his own. "Music
is a mockery compared to such reading! as well set a jew's-harp against
the winds of heaven! You understand my meaning, of course; it is not
precisely that, however. Now let us converse a little."
"The advertisement did not refer to that, I believe, as a condition," I
said, somewhat indignantly, and flushing hotly as I spoke.
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