10/43 She says: "I must tell you that I have been delighted, surprised, and the very least perplexed, by the sudden petition on the part of our young waiter, Aleck, that I will teach him to read. He is a very intelligent lad of about sixteen, and preferred his request with urgent humility that was very touching. I will do it; and yet, it is simply breaking the laws of the government under which I am living. Unrighteous laws are made to be broken--perhaps--but then you see, I am a woman, and Mr .-- -- stands between me and the penalty--. I certainly intend to teach Aleck to read; and I'll teach every other creature that wants to learn." See Kemble, _Journal_, p. |