she actually advised me to go out riding before lunch, and try
what the fresh air and the exercise would do to relieve me!
Feeling that I must end in speaking to Michael, it struck me that
this would be the one safe way of consulting him in private. I
accepted her advice, and had another approving pat on the cheek
from her plump white fingers. They no longer struck cold on my
skin; the customary vital warmth had returned to them. Her
ladyship's mind had recovered its tranquillity.

IX.

I LEFT the house for my morning ride.

Michael was not in his customary spirits. With some difficulty, I
induced him to tell me the reason. He had decided on giving
notice to leave his situation in the General's employment. As
soon as I could command myself, I asked what had happened to
justify this incomprehensible proceeding on his part. He silently
offered me a letter. It was written by the master whom he had
served before he came to us; and it announced that an employment
as secretary was offered to him, in the house of a gentleman who
was "interested in his creditable efforts to improve his position
in the world."

What it cost me to preserve the outward appearance of composure
as I handed back the letter, I am ashamed to tell. I spoke to him
with some bitterness. "Your wishes are gratified," I said; "I
don't wonder that you are eager to leave your place." He reined
back his horse and repeated my words. "Eager to leave my place? I
am heart-broken at leaving it." I was reckless enough to ask why.