s that are waiting to be confessed. You know that old
nurse of yours intimately--while I only speak from a day or two's
experience of her. To my judgment, she is a woman whose fondness for you
might be turned into a tigerish fondness, on very small provocation. You
write to her constantly. Does she know what you have suffered? Have you
told her the truth?"

"Yes."

"Without reserve?"

"Entirely without reserve."

"When that old woman comes to London, Carmina--and sees you, and sees
Mrs. Gallilee--don't you think the consequences may be serious? and your
position between them something (if you were ten times stronger than you
are) that no fortitude can endure?"

Carmina started up on the sofa. She was not able to speak. Miss Minerva
gave her time to recover herself--after another look at the clock.

"I am not alarming you for nothing," she proceeded; "I have something
hopeful to propose. Your friend Teresa has energies--wild energies. Make
a good use of them. She will do anything you ask or her. Take her with
you to Canada!"

"Oh, Frances!"

Miss Minerva pointed to the letter on the desk. "Does he tell you when
he will be back?"

"No. He feels the importance of completely restoring his health--he is
going farther and farther away--he has sent to Quebec for his letters."

"Then there is no fear of your crossing each other on the voyage. Go to
Quebec, and wait for him there."

"I should frighten him."

"Not you!"

"What can I say to him?"

"What you _must_ say, if you are weak enough to wait for him here. Do
you think his mother will consider his feelings, when he comes back to
marry you? I tell you again I am not talking at random. I have thought
it all out: I know how you can make your escape, and defy pursuit. You
have plenty of money; you have Teresa to take care of you. Go! For your
own sake, for his sake, go!"

The clock struck the hour. She rose and removed the handkerchief from
her head. "Hush!" she said, "Do I hear the rustling of a dress on the
landing below?" She snatched up a bottle of Mr. Null's medicine--as
a reason for being in the room. The sound of the rustling dress came
nearer and nearer. Mrs. Gallilee (on her way to the schoolroom dinner)
opened the door. She instantly understood the purpose which the bottle
was intended to answer.

"It is my business to give Carmina her medicine," she said. "Your
business is at the schoolroom table."

She took possession of the bottle, and advan