were dying a delicious death, and going to a yet more exquisite life. As
far as I might, however, I repressed all indications of my delight; and
endeavoured, for the sake both of duty and of prudence, to be as
attentive to my pupils and their studies as it was possible for man to
be. This helped to keep me in my right mind. But, more than all my
efforts at composure, the pain which, as far as my experience goes,
invariably accompanies, and sometimes even usurps, the place of the
pleasure which gave it birth, was efficacious in keeping me sane.

Night came, but brought no Lady Alice. It was a week before I saw her
again. Her heart had been stilled, and she was able to sleep aright.

But seven nights after, she did come. I waited her awaking, possessed
with one painful thought, which I longed to impart to her. She awoke
with a smile, covered her face for a moment, but only for a moment, and
then sat up. I stood before her; and the first words I spoke were:

"Lady Alice, ought I not to go?"

"No," she replied at once. "I can claim some compensation from them for
the wrong they have been doing me. Do you know in what relation I stand
to Lord and Lady Hilton? They are but my stepmother and her husband."

"I know that."

"Well, I have a fortune of my own, about which I never thought or
cared--till--till--within the last few weeks. Lord Hilton is my
guardian. Whether they made me the stupid creature I _was,_ I do not
know; but I believe they have represented me as far worse than I was, to
keep people from making my acquaintance. They prevented my going on with