A Mere Interlude — Thomas Hardy

The schoolmistress assured her landlady that she could return the sentiment lsquo But here comes my perplexity she said lsquo I dont like keeping school Ah you are surprised you didnt suspect it Thats because Ive concealed my feeling Well I simply hate school I dont care for children they are unpleasant troublesome little things whom nothing would delight so much as to hear that you had fallen down dead Yet I would even put up with them if it was not for the inspector For three months before his visit I didnt sleep soundly And the Committee of Council are always changing the Code so that you dont know what to teach and what to leave untaught I think father and mother are right They say I shall never excel as a schoolmistress if I dislike the work so and that therefore I ought to get settled by marrying Mr Heddegan Between us two I like him better than school but I dont like him quite so much as to wish to marry him