A Pert School-Girl Rebuked.
By Sel.
It hardly answers for pert young people to act the critic and correct their elders, unless they are sure of being in the right, and are ready to hold to it. A school-girl got into trouble by being overforward. “So you have finished your studies at the seminary! I was much pleased with the closing exercises. The author of that poem—Miss White, I think you call her—bids fair to become known as a poet.” “We think the authoress will become celebrated as a poetess,” remarked the young lady, pertly, with a marked emphasis on the two words of the sentence. “Oh, ah,” replied the old gentleman, looking thoughtfully over his gold spectacles at the young lady, “I hear her sister was quite an actress, and under Miss Hosmer’s instruction will undoubtedly become quite a sculptress.” The young lady appeared irritated. “The seminary,” continued the old gentleman, with imperturbable gravity, “is fortunate in having an efficient board of manageresses. From the Presidentess down to the humblest teacheress, unusual talent is shown. There is Miss Harper, who, as a chemistress, is unequaled, and Mrs. Knowles has already a reputation as an astronomeress. And, in the department of music, few can equal Miss Kellogg as a singeress.” The young lady did not appear to like the chair she was sitting on. She took the sofa at the other end of the room. “Yes,” continued the old gentleman, as if talking to himself, “those White sisters are very talented. Mary, I understand, has turned her attention to painting and the drama, and will surely become famous as an actress and paintress; and even now, as lecturess—” A loud slamming of the door caused the old gentleman to look up, and the criticess and grammarianess was gone.—Sel.