The thanksgiving was still in her heart when she heard a ring at the hall
bell, and remembered, with sudden compunction, that this was Miss
Bennett's hour, and that she had to speak to her about the very painful
matter which occurred yesterday.

She had quite forgotten it till this minute, as was not surprising. Now,
with an effort, she threw off all thoughts about herself; this business
was far more important, and might involve most serious consequences
to the young governess if obliged to be dismissed under circumstances
which, unless Miss Gascoigne's tongue could be stopped, would soon
be parroted about to every lady in Avonsbridge.

"Poor girl!" thought Christian, "she may never get another situation.
And yet perhaps she has done nothing actually wrong, no worse wrong
than many do--than I did!"--she sighed--"in letting myself be made love
to, and believing it all true, and sweet, and sacred, when it was all--But
that is over now. And perhaps she has no friends any more than I had--
no home to cling to, no mother to comfort her. Poor thing! I must be
very tender over her--very careful what I say to her."

And following this intention, instead of sending for Miss Bennett into
the dining-room, as Miss Gascoigne probably expected, for she sat in
great state, determined to "come to the root of the matter," as she
expressed it, Mrs. Grey went out and met her in the hall.

"You are the lady whom my sister-in-law engaged as governess?"

"Yes, ma'am. And you are Mrs. Grey?" peering at her with some
curiosity; for, as every body knew every thing in Avonsbridge, no
doubt Miss Bennett was perfectly well aware that Dr. Grey's young