or the better--I was so
inexpressibly happy in the conviction that we were as good friends again
as ever--that I bent down to kiss her, on saying goodnight.

"She put up her hand and stopped me. 'No,' she said, 'not till I have
done something to deserve it. You are more in need of help than you
think. Stay here a little longer; I have a word to say to you about your
aunt.'

"I returned to my chair, feeling a little startled. Her eyes rested on
me absently--she was, as I imagined, considering with herself, before
she spoke. I refrained from interrupting her thoughts. The night was
still and dark. Not a sound reached our ears from without. In the house,
the silence was softly broken by a rustling movement on the stairs. It
came nearer. The door was opened suddenly. Mrs. Gallilee entered the
room.

"What folly possessed me? Why was I frightened? I really could not help
it--I screamed. My aunt walked straight up to me, without taking the
smallest notice of Miss Minerva. 'What are you doing here, when you
ought to be in your bed?' she asked.

"She spoke in such an imperative manner--with such authority and such
contempt--that I looked at her in astonishment. Some suspicion seemed to
be roused in her by finding me and Miss Minerva together.

"No more gossip!' she called out sternly. 'Do you hear me? Go to bed!'

"Was it not enough to rouse anybody? I felt my pride burning in my face.
'Am I a child, or a servant?' I said. 'I shall go to bed early or late
as I please.'

"She took one step forward; she seized me by the arm, and forced me to
my feet. Think of it, Teresa! In all my life I have never had a hand
laid on me except in kindness. Who knows it better than you! I tried
vainly to speak--I saw Miss Minerva rise to interfere--I heard her say,
'Mrs. Gallilee, you forget yourself!' Somehow, I got out of the room. On
the landing, a dreadful fit of trembling shook me from head to foot. I
sank down on the stairs. At first, I thought I was going to faint. No;
I shook and shivered, but I kept my senses. I could hear their voices in
the room.

"Mrs. Gallilee began. 'Did you tell me just now that I had forgotten
myself?'

"Miss Minerva answered, 'Certainly, madam. You _did_ forget yourself.'

"The next words escaped me. After that, they grew louder; and I heard
them again--my aunt first.

"'I am dissatisfied with your manner to me, Miss Minerva. It has
latterly altered very much for the worse.'

"'In what respect, Mrs