me over to a Russian family whom we had met. Unluckily, as I see
now, I wrote to Mrs. Mercer, and as I never heard more I gave up
writing. Then the Crimean War cut me off entirely even from David.
I had only one letter all that time."

"How is it that you are a governess? I thought one was sure of a
pension from a Russian grandee!"

"These were not very grand grandees, only counts, and though they
paid liberally, they could not pension one. So when I had done with
the youngest daughter, I came to England and found a situation in
London. I tried to look up our old set, but could not get on the
track of anyone except Emily Collins, who told me you had married
very soon, but was not even sure of your name. Very soon! Why,
Caroline, your daughter looks as old as yourself."

"I sometimes think she is older! And have you seen my Eton boy?"

"Was it he who received the delightful popinjay, who 'Up and spak' so
much to the purpose?" asked Mr. Ogilvie.

"Yes, it was Allen. He is the only one you did not see in the
morning. Did they do tolerably?"

"I only wish I had any boys who did half as well," said Mr. Ogilvie,
the lads being gone for more books.

"I was afraid for John and Armine, for we have been unsettled, and I
could not go on so steadily with them as before," she said eagerly,
but faltering a little. "Armine told me he blundered in Phaedrus,