hollow contrast with realities that helped to scare me; yet it was but a
suspicion--I could not be certain.

Our rector and the curate, with whom she was very gracious, and anxious
about my collects and catechism, had an exalted opinion of her. In public
places her affection for me was always demonstrative.

In like manner she contrived conferences with my father. She was always
making excuses to consult him about my reading, and to confide in him her
sufferings, as I learned, from my contumacy and temper. The fact is, I was
altogether quiet and submissive. But I think she had a wish to reduce me
to a state of the most abject bondage. She had designs of domination and
subversion regarding the entire household, I now believe, worthy of the
evil spirit I sometimes fancied her.

My father beckoned me into the study one day, and said he--

'You ought not to give poor Madame so much pain. She is one of the few
persons who take an interest in you; why should she have so often to
complain of your ill-temper and disobedience?--why should she be compelled
to ask my permission to punish you? Don't be afraid, I won't concede that.
But in so kind a person it argues much. Affection I can't command--respect
and obedience I may--and I insist on your rendering _both_ to Madame.'

'But sir,' I said, roused into courage by the gross injustice of the
charge, 'I have always done exactly as she bid me, and never said one
disrespectful word to Madame.'

'I don't think, child, _you_ are the best judge of that. Go, and _amend_.'
And with a displeased look he pointed to the door. My heart swelled with