as governess to these darling children? It would tear her heart in two
to leave them, and yet she would be forced to do so. You know that some
one--shall I hesitate to say whom I MEAN--that Mr. Milliken's mother,
excellent lady though she is, does not love my child because YOU love
her. You DO love her, Lady Kicklebury, and oh! a mother's fond heart
pays you back! But for you, my poor Julia must go--go, and leave the
children whom a dying angel confided to her!

LADY K.--Go! no, never! not whilst I am in this house, Mrs. Prior. Your
daughter is a well-behaved young woman: you have confided to me her long
engagement to Lieutenant--Lieutenant What-d'you-call'im, in the Indian
service. She has been very, very good to my grandchildren--she brought
them over from Naples when my--my angel of an Arabella died there, and I
will protect Miss Prior.

MRS. PRIOR.--Bless you, bless you, noble, admirable woman! Don't take it
away! I must, I WILL kiss your dear, generous hand! Take a mother's, a
widow's blessings, Lady Kicklebury--the blessings of one who has known
misfortune and seen better days, and thanks heaven--yes, heaven!--for
the protectors she has found!

LADY K.--You said--you had--several children, I think, my good Mrs.
Prior?

MRS. PRIOR.--Three boys--one, my eldest blessing, is in a
wine-merchant's office--ah, if Mr. Milliken WOULD but give him an order!
an order from THIS house! an order from Lady Kicklebury's son-in-law!--

LADY K.--It shall be done, my good Prior--we will see.