Page:The Cottagers of Glenburnie - Hamilton (1808).djvu/96

. But she did what she could to counsel her against the consequences; and, among other pieces of advice, recommended it to her, to place the whole management of her nursery under my care. My lady told me this, when she proposed it to me, and told me also the reasons she had given, which were too honourable for me to repeat. I knew nothing of the management of children, but resolved to fulfil the trust to the best of my abilities, and to spare no pains to learn the best modes of treating them, in sickness and in health. As the family increased, my duties enlarged; but the only, and the perpetual difficulty with which I had to struggle, arose from the obstinacy and self-sufficiency of the nurses. Knowing, however, that I had the authority of my lord and lady on my side, I generally prevailed; and, after two or three months, brought them into my ways: but I saw enough to convince me, how sadly off the children of great families must be.