when my life with Lady Milsom is coming to an end."

"Indeed!"

"Yes, the little boys are old enough for school, and the Colonel is
going to take a house at Shrewsbury, where his mother will live with
them, and want me no longer."

"You have been there seven years."

"Yes, and very happy. When Fanny married, Lady Milsom was left
alone, and would not part with me, and then came the two little boys
from India, so that she had an excuse for retaining me; but that is
over now, or will be in a few weeks time. I had been trying for an
engagement, and finding that beside your high-school diploma young
ladies I am considered quite passee--"

"My dear! With your art, and music, and all!"

"Too true! And while I was digesting a polite hint that my terms
were too high, and therewith Agatha's earnest appeal to be sent to
Girton, there comes this inheritance! Taking my burthen off my back,
and making me ready to throw up my heels like a young colt."

"Ah! you will be taking another burthen, perhaps."

"No doubt, I suppose so, but let me find it out by degrees. I can
only think as yet of having my dear girls to myself, moi, as the
French would say, after having seen so little of them."