My governess has something on her mind.

She has fits of crying in private.
She is up and walking about her room when she ought to be asleep.

She posts her own letters--_and,_ she has lately been excessively insolent to Me.

There is something wrong.

I must take some steps in the matter--and it is only proper that I should do so with your sanction, as head of the family." "Consider me as abdicating my position, Lady Lundie, in your favor." "Sir Patrick, I beg you to observe that I am speaking seriously, and that I expect a serious reply." "My good lady, ask me for any thing else and it is at your service.