Downstairs being, in theory, at least, less strenuous, is presided over by a woman.
Miss Seabury, who had been downstairs teacher for one lively term, had resigned that spring in tears and humiliation.

Her scholars had enjoyed themselves and would have liked her to continue, but the committee and the townspeople thought otherwise.

There was a general feeling that enjoyment was not the whole aim of education.
"Betty," said Captain Dimick, referring to his small granddaughter, "has done fust rate so fur's marksmanship and lung trainin' goes.

I cal'late she can hit a nail head ten foot off with a spitball three times out of four, and she can whisper loud enough to be understood in Jericho.

But, not wishing to be unreasonable, still I should like to have her spell 'door' without an 'e.' I've always been used to seein' it spelled that way and--well, I'm kind of old-fashioned, anyway." There was a difference of opinion concerning Miss Seabury's successor.
A portion of the townspeople were for hiring a graduate of the State Normal School, a young woman with modern training.