Agnes Grey / Агнес Грей. Книга для чтения на английском языке

But then, you see, there’s no money,’ she added, with a sigh. We both wished exceedingly that the thing might be done, and lamented greatly that it could not. �Well, well!’ said she, �it’s no use complaining. Possibly something might be done to further the project after all. Mary, you are a beautiful drawer. What do you say to doing a few more pictures in your best style, and getting them framed, with the water-coloured drawings you have already done, and trying to dispose of them to some liberal picture-dealer, who has the sense to discern their merits?’

�Mamma, I should be delighted if you think they could be sold; and for anything worth while.

�It’s worth while trying, however, my dear: do you procure the drawings, and I’ll endeavour to find a purchaser.’

�I wish I could do something,’ said I.

�You, Agnes! well, who knows? You draw pretty well, too: if you choose some simple piece for your subject, I daresay you will be able to produce something we shall all be proud to exhibit.

�But I have another scheme in my head, mamma, and have had long, only I did not like to mention it.’

�Indeed! pray tell us what it is.’

�I should like to be a governess.’

My mother uttered an exclamation of surprise, and laughed. My sister dropped her work in astonishment, exclaiming, �You a governess, Agnes! What can you be dreaming of?’

�Well! I don’t see anything so very extraordinary in it.

�But, my love, you have not learned to take care of yourself yet: and young children require more judgment and experience to manage than elder ones.’

�But, mamma, I am above eighteen, and quite able to take care of myself, and others too. You do not know half the wisdom and prudence I possess, because I have never been tried.

�Only think,’ said Mary, �what would you do in a house full of strangers, without me or mamma to speak and act for you – with a parcel of children, besides yourself, to attend to; and no one to look to for advice? You would not even know what clothes to put on.’

�You think, because I always do as you bid me, I have no judgment of my own: but only try me – that is all I ask – and you shall see what I can do.