But an old friend and school companion who happened to see her during
a brief visit to London, was inexpressibly distressed by the change
that she detected in Agnes. This lady was Mrs. Westwick, the wife
of that brother of Lord Montbarry who came next to him in age,
and who was described in the 'Peerage' as presumptive heir to the title.
He was then away, looking after his interests in some mining property
which he possessed in America. Mrs. Westwick insisted on taking Agnes
back with her to her home in Ireland. 'Come and keep me company
while my husband is away. My three little girls will make you
their playfellow, and the only stranger you will meet is the governess,
whom I answer for your liking beforehand. Pack up your things,
and I will call for you to-morrow on my way to the train.'
In those hearty terms the invitation was given. Agnes thankfully
accepted it. For three happy months she lived under the roof
of her friend. The girls hung round her in tears at her departure;
the youngest of them wanted to go back with Agnes to London.
Half in jest, half in earnest, she said to her old friend at parting,
'If your governess leaves you, keep the place open for me.'
Mrs. Westwick laughed. The wiser children took it seriously,
and promised to let Agnes know.



On the very day when Miss Lockwood returned to London, she was recalled
to those associations with the past which she was most anxious to forget.
After the first kissings and greetings were over, the old nurse
(who had been left in charge at the lodgings) had some startling
information to communicate, derived from the courier's wife.

'Here has been little Mrs. Ferrari, my dear, in a dreadful state