o doubt that the news of Mr. Carlyle's marriage helped greatly the
excitement. She did not pray to die, but she did wish that death might
come to her.

What would have been the ending, it is impossible to say, but a strange
turn in affairs came; one of those wonderful coincidences sometimes,
but not often to be met with. Mrs. Crosby appeared in Madame Vine's room
after breakfast, and gave her an account of Helena's projected marriage.
She then apologized, the real object of her visit, for dispensing so
summarily with madame's services, but had reason to hope that she could
introduce her to another situation. Would madame have any objection
to take one in England? Madame was upon the point of replying that she
should not choose to enter one in England, when Mrs. Crosby stopped her,
saying that she would call in Mrs. Latimer, who could tell her about it
better than she could.

Mrs. Latimer came in, all eagerness and volubility. "Ah, my dear
madame," she exclaimed, "you would be fortunate indeed if you were
to get into this family. The nicest people they are; he so liked and
respected; she so pretty and engaging. A most desirable situation, too,
treated as a lady, and all things comfortable. There's only one pupil, a
girl; one of the little boys, I believe, goes in for an hour or two, but
that's not much; and the salary's seventy guineas. They are friends of
mine; the Carlyles; such a beautiful place they live at--East Lynne."

The Carlyles! East Lynne! Go governess there? Lady Isabel's breath was
taken away.

"They are parting with their governess," continued Mrs. Latimer, "and
when I was there, a day or two before I started on my tour to Germany,
Mrs. Carlyle said to me, 'I suppose you could not pick us up a desirable
governess for Lucy; one who is mistress of French and German.' She spoke
in a half joking tone, but I feel sure that were I to write word I _had_
found one desirable, it would give her pleasure. Now, Mrs. Crosby tells
me your French is quite that of a native, Madame Vine, that you read
and speak German well, and that your musical abilities are excellent. I
think you would be just the one to suit; and I have no doubt I could get
you the situation. What do you say?"

What could she say? Her brain was in a whirl.

"I am anxious to find you one if I can," put in Mrs. Crosby. "We have
been much pleased with you, and I should like you to be desirably
placed. As Mrs. Latimer is so kind as to interest herself