profbutters

For

sim_spiration .

Prompt: Lytton Goodytwoshoes

“Published? You do not mean that it is to be published? Oh, where are my manners. Do come in.”

The reporter from the Weivtnasaelp Times followed Lytton Goodytwoshoes into his house and into his study, pausing to wipe her feet at the doormat. Normally she wouldn’t have been quite that careful, but a polite, blinking smile suggested that tidiness was desirable. She took a seat on the settee while Lytton bustled off towards the kitchen.

“RubyBlue, dearest, we have a visitor. No, of course not. I can manage tea. Do not even think of it. “

Lytton re-entered the study with a tray.

“Milk? Sugar? One lump or two? I am astonished that anyone would be interested in my work,” he said, flushing with pleasure. “It has largely been a history of the family.”

“In fact,” he said, thoughtfully stirring his tea, “I am afraid the family has never been popular. Right, naturally, good, but of course, but never really popular.”

He placed the cup and saucer carefully on the table before waxing enthusiastic.

“Our family dates back to 1766—that is, the records do,” Lytton amended. “Our ancestress Margery was known for her piety and frugality. She was grateful for the gift of two shoes, which were two more than she had had, and taught herself to read. And shortly, she began to teach the village children to read as well. I was pleased to learn,” he beamed, “that we have always been so literate.”

“Unfortunately,” he added, “Margery did not remain in the village long. I attribute this to the opening of her lessons---

He that will thrive

Must rise by five.”

“Somehow,” said Lytton, frowning, “this did not endear her to her neighbors. In fact, she was accused of being a witch.”

He looked at his visitor over his glasses.

“This part is often left out of the story.”

“Perhaps you will think,” he said, “that certain members of my family are slightly. . . a bit. . . lacking in humor? A bit implacable? And I do admit that my family has Views.”

He paused, perhaps looking at the cheerful decorations in the room that reminded the visitor of a perennial Christmas, and perhaps not. “Views,” he added wistfully, “that can be—that can seem—or feel. . .somewhat harsh.”

“But not intentionally so,” he added hastily. “Never intentionally so. And in our way, we have all upheld her motto: 'I Will Be Good.'”

“I am,” he said shyly, “more than a little proud of her.”

***

NB: The original Goodytwoshoes really was Miss Margery Goodytwoshoes, an improving story for children published in 1765.