Page:A hairdresser's experience in high life.djvu/30

32 gentleman whom his engaged governess had ejected from the superior dining apartment, alighted to meet his family, from whom he had been absent for a few weeks. It was with great delight that all the passengers saw the discomfited looks of the governess when she discovered that the despised outside passenger was the Count R. The diligence started immediately, so that we had no opportunity to hear what was said; but I afterward learned that the governess was politely invited into the house, shown into handsome apartments, and treated with extreme kindness for the night. The next morning the countess paid her a month's wages and dismissed her. So much for that parvenu woman!

Upon my arrival in England, I went immediately to Essex county, and commenced my duties with the S. family. The child assigned to my charge was not as bright as most children of his age, but nevertheless I became very much attached to him. I made up my mind to love him, and devoted to him my whole attention.

The day after I had entered this family, I received orders from my lady to be ready dressed, with the child, at three o'clock, to go to London. The carriage, with four horses and servants in livery, appeared at the appointed hour before the door; a coat of arms was emblazoned upon the panels of the carriage, and the servants were in black velvet knee breeches, and had cockades upon their hats. My lady, her daughter and my little responsibility having entered the carriage, the door was suddenly closed, and