Rosey was eternally strumming upon an instrument which had been taken
upstairs for her special practice; and the Colonel, who was always
seeking to do harmless jobs of kindness for his friends, bethought him of
little Miss Cann, the governess at Ridley's, whom he recommended as an
instructress. "Anybody whom you recommend I'm sure, dear Colonel, we
shall like," said Mrs. Mackenzie, who looked as black as thunder, and had
probably intended to have Monsieur Quatremains or Signor Twankeydillo;
and the little governess came to her pupil. Mrs. Mackenzie treated her
very gruffly and haughtily at first; but as soon as she heard Miss Cann
play, the widow was pacified--nay, charmed. Monsieur Quatremains charged
a guinea for three-quarters of an hour; while Miss Cann thankfully took
five shillings for an hour and a half; and the difference of twenty
lessons, for which dear Uncle James paid, went into Mrs. Mackenzie's
pocket, and thence probably on to her pretty shoulders and head in the
shape of a fine silk dress and a beautiful French bonnet, in which
Captain Goby said, upon his life, she didn't look twenty.
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