No More Learning

Yes, I will put him upon the straight road to Knighthood, and everything
else that a man values. The rest depends upon himself. "

"Polly, you are a most extraordinary woman. "

"Not in the least. I'm concentrated, that's all. You diffuse yourself,
dear; and though all Simla knows your skill in managing a team"--

"Can't you choose a prettier word? "

"Team, of half a dozen, from The Mussuck to the Hawley Boy, you gain
nothing by it. Not even amusement. "

"And you? "

"Try my recipe. Take a man, not a boy, mind, but an almost mature,
unattached man, and be this guide, philosopher, and friend. You'll find
it the most interesting occupation that you ever embarked on. It can be
done--you needn't look like that--because I've done it. "

"There's an element of risk about it that makes the notion attractive.
I'll get such a man and say to him, 'Now, understand that there must be
no flirtation.
Do exactly what I tell you, profit by my instruction and
counsels, and all will yet be well,' as Toole says. Is that the idea? "

"More or less," said Mrs. Mallowe with an unfathomable smile. "But be
sure he understands that there must be no flirtation. "


II

Dribble-dribble-trickle-trickle
What a lot of raw dust!
My dollie's had an accident
And out came all the sawdust! --Nursery Rhyme.

So Mrs. Hauksbee, in "The Foundry" which overlooks Simla Mall, sat at
the feet of Mrs. Mallowe and gathered wisdom. The end of the Conference
was the Great Idea upon which Mrs. Hauksbee so plumed herself.

"I warn you," said Mrs. Mallowe, beginning to repent of her suggestion,
"that the matter is not half so easy as it looks. Any woman--even the
Topsham girl--can catch a man, but very, very few know how to manage him
when caught.