ised, while the soft low words
were heard, 'Thank you, I beg your pardon!' then, with an imploring,
deprecating gaze on her, 'I am sorry; indeed I could not help it!'

Theodora was almost overcome; but Lady Elizabeth gave a warning squeeze
to her arm, whispering, 'Take care, don't agitate her:' and this,
recalling the sense that others were present, brought back her
self-possession, and she only kissed Violet, tenderly bade her lie
still, and hoped she was better.

She smiled, and declared herself refreshed, as the wind blew on her from
the open window, and she felt the cold water on her face, and there was
no silencing her thanks and apologies for giving trouble. She said she
was well enough to go home; and, as soon as the carriage was found, sat
up, looking shivering and forlorn, but still summoning up smiles. 'Good
night, dear Lady Elizabeth,' she said; 'thank you very much. You see you
were right.'

Lady Elizabeth offered to go home with her; but she could not bear to
occasion further sensation, and, besides, understood Theodora's face.
She refused, and her friend kissed her, and promised to come early
to-morrow to see her; but, mingled with all this care and kindness there
was something of 'I told you so.'

She trembled so much when she stood up, that Theodora put her strong
arm round her, and nearly carried her down-stairs, gratified to find
her clinging to her, and refusing all other support. Scarcely a word was
spoken as they went home; but Theodora held the hand, which was cold,
limp, and shaking, and now and then she made inquiries, always answered
by 'Better, thank you.'

Theodora had her directions from Lady Elizabeth, and intended to make up
for her misdeeds by most attentive care; but, on coming home, they found
that Arthur had arrived, and gone to bed, so that nothing was in her
power but to express more kind wishes and regrets than she could stay to
hear or to answer in her extinguished voice.

Theodora was a good deal shocked, but also provoked, at having been
put in the wrong. She felt as if she had sustained a defeat, and as if
Violet would have an advantage over her for the future, managing her by
her health, just as she ruled Arthur.

'But I will not submit,' thought Theodora. 'I will not bear with
interference, if not from Percy, certainly not from his deputy--a mere
spoilt child, a very good child, but spoilt by her position, by John's
over-estimate of her, and by the deference exacted by