Mother Carey's Chickens
"There are no breathing places between mine; there will be six volumes, and I am scarcely half through the third, although I have given seven years to the work. Still, I have an excellent housekeeper who attends to all our simple needs. My children are not fitted for society."
"No, not quite." (Stab four). "That is the reason they ought to see a good deal of it, but they are very fine children and very clever."
"I am glad you think so, but they certainly write bad English and have no general knowledge whatsoever."
"Oh, well, that will come, doubtless, when you have more time with them." (Stab five.) "I often think such mysterious things as good speech and culture can never be learned in school. I should n't wonder if that were our department, Dr. Lord!" (Stab six.) "However, you will agree, modest parent as you are, that your Olive is a genius?"
"I have never observed it," replied her father. "I cannot, of course, allow her to practice on any musical instrument, because my studies demand quiet, but I don't think she cares for music."
"She draws and paints, however, in the most astonishing way, and she has a passionate energy, and concentration, and devotion to her work
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