"We are going to Thorpe Castle," replied Lady Ridsdale, "and I thought
you would enjoy being there with us."

"I shall enjoy anything and everything" said Marion. "I have all my life
before me, and it will be full of glorious possibilities."

Suddenly she paused, remembering that her life was settled and arranged;
it held no more possibilities; they were all at an end. For the first
time she felt the weight of the chain that bound her. Lady Ridsdale
wondered why the beautiful face suddenly grew pale and grave.

Half an hour afterwards Marion came timidly to her side.

"Lady Ridsdale," she began, in a half-hesitating manner, "of course I
never thought such happiness as the marriage of my guardian was in store
for me."

"I suppose not," was the smiling reply.

"I used to think that I should go away from here and be so lonely, so
sad. I have made a promise and I do not see how I can keep it."

Lady Ridsdale was touched and flattered by the girl's confidence.

"Tell me all about it, Marion; you shall keep the promise, if it be
possible."

"There is a governess here, one of the assistants; her name is
Lyster--Adelaide Lyster. She has always been very kind to me; indeed I