Page:Jane Austen (Sarah Fanny Malden 1889).djvu/107

 Then who taught you, who attended to you? Without a governess you must have been neglected.'

Compared with some families, I believe we were; but such of us as wished to learn never wanted the means. We were always encouraged to read, and had all the masters that were necessary. Those who chose to be idle certainly might.'

Ay, no doubt; but that is what a governess will prevent; and if I had known your mother, I should have advised her most strenuously to engage one. I always say that nothing is to be done in education without steady and regular instruction, and nobody but a governess can give it. It is wonderful how many families I have been the means of supplying in that way. I am always glad to get a young person well placed out. Four nieces of Mrs. Jenkinson's are most delightfully situated through my means; and it was but the other day that I recommended a young person who was merely accidentally mentioned to me, and the family are quite delighted with her. Mrs. Collins, did I tell you of Lady Metcalfe's calling yesterday to thank me? She finds Miss Pope a treasure. "Lady Catherine," said she, "you have given me a treasure." Are any of your younger sisters out, Miss Bennet?'

Yes, Ma'am—all.'

All! What, all five out at once? Very odd! and you only the second—the younger ones out before the elder ones are married! Your youngest sister must be very young.'

Yes; my youngest is not sixteen. Perhaps she is full young to be much in company. But, really, Ma'am, I think it would be very hard upon younger sisters that they should not have their share of society and