'So soon!'

'Yes, dear; I could not stay; in fact, I should have gone tonight, but it
was too late, and I leave instead in the morning.'

'I am so sorry--so _very_ sorry,' I exclaimed, in honest disappointment,
and the walls seemed to darken round me, and the monotony of the old
routine loomed more terrible in prospect.

'So am I, dear Maud.'

'But can't you stay a little longer; _won't_ you?'

'No, Maud; I'm vexed with Austin--very much vexed with your father; in
short, I can't conceive anything so entirely preposterous, and dangerous,
and insane as his conduct, now that his eyes are quite opened, and I must
say a word to you before I go, and it is just this:--you must cease to be a
mere child, you must try and be a woman, Maud: now don't be frightened
or foolish, but hear me out. That woman--what does she call
herself--Rougierre? I have reason to believe is--in fact, from
circumstances, _must_ be your enemy; you will find her very deep, daring,
and unscrupulous, I venture to say, and you can't be too much on your
guard. Do you quite understand me, Maud?'

'I do,' said I, with a gasp, and my eyes fixed on her with a terrified
interest, as if on a warning ghost.

'You must bridle your tongue, mind, and govern your conduct, and command
even your features. It is hard to practise reserve; but you must--you must