CHAPTER IV
TO, FROM AND ABOUT GOVERNESSES, CHAPERONS, COMPANIONS, HOUSEKEEPERS, ETC.
=144. From a Governess Applying for a Position.=
B----, June 8, 19--.
MADAM:--
Mrs. Alfred D. Campbell informed me, this morning, that you were in want of a governess for your two little girls, and she recommended me to apply for the situation at once, thinking that I might perhaps suit you. My experience in teaching has been gained at home; for the last two years I have undertaken the sole tuition of my younger sisters. I may say that I have been well educated, and am quite capable of instructing young ladies up to the age of fourteen. Mrs. Campbell has known my family for many years, and authorizes me to say that, should you wish her to write respecting my qualifications and fitness for the post of governess in your house, she will be happy to do so.
Hoping to hear favorably in reference to the matter,
I remain, Yours very respectfully, GERTRUDE LELAND.
=145. Asking a Lady Concerning an Applicant for the Position of Governess.=
B----, June 28, 19--.
Dear Mrs. Campbell:--
You had the kindness of mentioning to Miss Leland that I was on the lookout for a governess for my little girls. I understand, from a letter I just received from this young lady, that she has not hitherto filled a similar situation, but this I should not consider a drawback if her qualifications were satisfactory. Would you say she was thoroughly well educated? Can she teach French and German to beginners, and has she a good knowledge of music? Is she both amiable and conscientious? She says you have known her family for some years, so no doubt will be able to satisfy me on all these points. As regards the question of salary, I propose giving my governess $500 a year. Will you kindly mention this to her, and if your answer is such as I expect, I shall have no hesitation in engaging her at once. I have had a great many applications for this situation, but I think it such an advantage to obtain a governess personally recommended by a friend; therefore I am so much obliged to you for advising Miss Leland to write to me.
With kind remembrances to you and Mr. Campbell, believe me, as ever,
Very truly yours, MARCELLA TYLER PORTER.
=146. Recommending a Governess.=
L----, June 12, 19--.
Dear Mrs. Porter:--
I am happy to be able to speak in the highest terms of Miss Leland, both as regards her capabilities and moral training; she has been carefully brought up and well educated; is amiable and high principled. She speaks German and French fluently, and her knowledge of music is above the average; she has acquired some experience in teaching, through having instructed her younger sisters. I may add, from what I know of Miss Leland you need have no hesitation in engaging her.
Believe me, Very truly yours, DELIA STORY CAMPBELL.
=147. Answering an Advertisement for a Chaperon.=
W----, May 4, 19--.
Edward Worthington, Esq., N----.
SIR:--
Replying to your advertisement for a "Companion and Chaperon to a young lady," I take the liberty of offering myself for the situation.
My late husband was a captain in the U. S. army; I am 35 years of age, and have been a widow three years. I am a good linguist, and can speak French and German fluently; so that should your daughter wish to continue her studies or travel abroad, my knowledge of languages might be of use to her. I am considered a clever musician, and have had a good musical education. The salary mentioned in your advertisement would be quite satisfactory to me, and I should consider myself most fortunate were my qualifications to meet with your approval.
With regard to references, Mrs. Black, wife of the Rev. Phillips Black, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, this city, and Mrs. Bruce, 1750 M---- Avenue, N----, would be very glad to answer any questions respecting me. Awaiting your answer,
Believe me, Yours respectfully, HONORIA DE WITT.
=148. Answering an Advertisement for a Companion.=
S----, July 19, 19--.
Miss Selma White, City.
MADAM:--
Answering your advertisement in the "Item" of Saturday the 7th inst, I beg to offer my services as "Useful Companion to an Elderly Lady." Should not be afraid to undertake the care of an invalid, and to have the management of household affairs, as, in both these particulars, I have had no little experience in my own family. Am 36 years of age, and the daughter of a physician. Owing to circumstances with which I need not trouble you at the present moment, am anxious to obtain a situation of this nature.
I have been accustomed to read aloud and to write letters from dictation, and to entertain elderly people.
Perhaps it is premature to mention references in this letter, but may say that I could thoroughly satisfy you on this point by giving you the names of several ladies of high standing, in this city, who have kindly promised to recommend me.
Hoping to hear from you favorably,
I am, Madam, Yours respectfully, EVA B. CLARK.
=149. Replying to an Advertisement for a Housekeeper.=
C----, December 12, 19--.
Sylvester Cary, Esq.
Answering your advertisement in this morning's "Tribune" for a housekeeper, I beg to offer my services in that capacity.
Am 35 years of age, and my experience has been gained through having had the entire control of my uncle's house for seven years. The whole of the domestic arrangements were in my hands--the engaging and dismissing of servants, giving all orders, and keeping the household accounts. I also superintended the education of the two younger children, attended to their wardrobes, and had the entire charge of them.
Can offer two unexceptionable references, besides a personal one from the uncle mentioned above, Mr. Frank Robinson, 310 Masonic Temple, city.
Have no doubt that you will receive many applications for the situation vacant in your establishment; still, I hope that this offer of my services may meet with your favorable consideration.
Respectfully, (MISS) MIRANDA TAYLOR.