Agnes. She was obliged to lie down again. Janet sat by her side,
caressing one of her wasted hands.

"Your coming has made me very, very happy," murmured Sister Agnes after
a time.

"Through all the seven dreary years of my school life," said Janet, "the
expectation of some day seeing you again was the one golden dream that
the future held before me. That dream has now come true. How I have
looked forward to this day none save those who have been circumstanced
as I have can more than faintly imagine."

"Are you at all acquainted with Lady Chillington's intentions in asking
you to come to Deepley Walls?"

"Not in the least. A fortnight ago I had no idea that I should so soon
be here. I knew that I could not stay much longer at the Pension
Clissot, and naturally wondered what instructions Madame Delclos would
receive from Lady Chillington as to my disposal. The last time I saw her
ladyship, her words seemed to imply that, after my education should be
finished, I should have to trust to my own exertions for earning a
livelihood. In fact, I have looked upon myself all along as ultimately
destined to add one more unit to the great tribe of governesses."

"Such a fate shall not be yours if my weak arm has power to avert it,"
said Sister Agnes. "For the present your services are required at
Deepley Walls, in the capacity of 'companion' to Lady Chillington--in
brief, to occupy the position held by me for so many years, but from
which I am now obliged to secede on account of ill-health."