Varieties of Disturbance by Lydia Davis Page B

themes to correct each week. His students are very bright.
    The Englishwoman
    One of Mr. D’s colleagues recommends a cleaning woman. Mrs. D writes:
    With his tips as to her temperament, I was able to apply the right pressure when I called up, and now she is with us. Our fingers are crossed as we say it. She is—if I can believe my luck—exactly what we need. She likes to go ahead without any instruction and she adores to work for disorderly people because, as she says, “they appreciate coming in and finding things clean and neat.” She is English, experienced, quick and able. Her name is Mrs. Langley.
    All Goes Well, for a Time
    Mrs. Langley is downstairs in the playroom ironing.
    But Mrs. Langley Will Not Stay
    Mrs. Langley has left us.
    Miscarriage
    Mrs. D has been trying to have another baby, but she miscarries early in the pregnancy. It is her third miscarriage. But she will not give up.
    Our Splendid Marion
    For a time they are joined by what Mrs. D considers a wonderful girl, a nineteen-year-old commercial-college student. She lifts an enormous load from their shoulders, but they worry because she seems to have a life of all work and no play and never sees boys.
    Then she, too, goes on her way.
    Mrs. D Sees a Doctor
    Mrs. D consults a doctor about her trouble conceiving. She tells him that an earlier doctor had helped her to conceive by blowing some sort of gas into her.
    Mr. and Mrs. D are Both Writing
    Mrs. D will be having a story published soon, and she has just finished writing another one, after working every day from 9:30 to 3:00. As for Mr. D, he is not writing stories anymore, but he has begun writing articles.
    They hope her latest story will sell, too, because they find themselves without much money.
    Mrs. D is Pregnant Again
    Again Mrs. D places an ad, shorter this time:
    COOK-HOUSEKEEPER —12 noon to early dinner, in considerate home. No washing, no Sunday work. $20 week. Tel. 2997.
    Minnie Answers in Flowery Handwriting
    Regarding the enclosed “ad” does it mean I may have a room in your house, or does it refer to one who has a home, and who would come in each week day to fill your needs? I did not just understand from the wording of the “ad” just the conditions so thought I’d inquire and if interested I’d like to hear from you if the position has not been taken and details of duties.
    Minnie Will be Given a Chance. She Writes to Accept
    Your gracious letter at hand and I hope my earnest efforts may prove satisfactory, and of course I expect to consult with you as to your wishes regarding all things pertaining to your home management. My idea, after I become familiar with things, is to relieve you as much as I can, so you may have more freedom to care for your health, and other duties of your own. I very much appreciate the fact that you have not asked for references etc. as I prefer to come on my own merits, yet it is a gracious gesture on your part to receive into your home an entire stranger, with no introduction except our correspondence. I hope I may prove worthy of your confidence and that I may soon adjust myself to your house hold.
    Minnie Does Not Work Out, and Soon Thereafter Mrs. D Decides to Hire a Girl from a Residential School for Delinquent Children
    Mrs. D receives a letter from the Field Worker, Miss Anderson:
    There are many matters to be considered before we could place a girl permanently in your home, and at the present time I do not have a suitable girl available.
    Mrs. D Persists in Asking for one in Particular. Miss Anderson Answers
    Anna would be glad to stay with you permanently. But I am afraid you would find that adequate supervision would be a bigger problem than you realize. I could tell you more about Anna’s very poor background, and her mentality, which we have studied over a period of years, and you would then realize why our rules have to be rather severe.
    For instance, there is the question of the hour she is to