CHAPTER X.
JO'S JOURNAL.
DEAR Marmee and Beth:
I'm going to write you a regular volume, for I've got lots to tell, though I'm not a fine young lady travelling on the continent. When I lost sight of father's dear old face, I felt a trifle blue, and might have shed a briny drop or two, if an Irish lady with four small children, all crying more or less, hadn't diverted my mind; for I amused myself by dropping gingerbread nuts over the seat every time they opened their mouths to roar.
"Soon the sun came out; and taking it as a good omen, I cleared up likewise, and enjoyed my journey with all my heart.
"Mrs. Kirke welcomed me so kindly I felt at home at once, even in that big house full of strangers. She gave me a funny little sky-parlor—all she had; but there is a stove in it, and a nice table in a sunny window, so I can sit here and write whenever I like. A fine view, and a church tower opposite, atone for the many stairs, and I took a fancy to my den on the spot. The nursery, where I am to teach and sew, is a pleasant room next Mrs. Kirke's private parlor, and the two little girls are pretty children—rather spoilt, I guess, but they took to me after telling them 'The Seven Bad Pigs'; and I've no doubt I shall make a model governess.
(139)
