"There," he exclaimed, placing it before me. "Will you not reward me for
my industry?"

I looked at the sketch. It was bold and clear, shaded with a firm hand,
spirited and original. I was truly surprised at the skill evinced.

After that day he visited our room often, calling in during the morning
to exchange a pleasant word, or at the close of the school hours to
loiter over our drawings and chat of books and music. His visits began to
grow too pleasant to me. Some effort must be made on my side to render
them less attractive.

One afternoon he entered as usual, and waited patiently till Herbert had
recited his closing lesson. Then he arose, and taking a guitar from its
case, commenced playing and singing a song in a most bewitching manner.

"Come, Miss Reef," said he, when he had finished, "that beautiful hand is
just made to glide over this instrument. Allow me to give you a lesson."

Feeling that if I permitted him to encroach upon my position as governess
I would be lost, I refused. I must give him to understand that I know my
place and will not be trifled with, I thought; so I arose and rang the
bell for Mary. She soon appeared, apparently surprised at seeing Mr.
Richard Bristed so much at home in the school-room.

"Mary, sit down; I wish you to hem this handkerchief for Herbert," said
I.

She seated herself with my work-box before her, and commenced plying her