n o'clock," said Loveday. "I must not stay, but it is my
Lady's wish that you should have all that is comformable, and you'll let
me know how Madge behaves herself."

"Is there any news from Bowstead?" was all Aurelia could at first
demand.

"Not yet; but bless you, my dear young lady, you had best put all that
matter out of your head for ever and a day. I know what these young
gentlemen are. They are not to be hearkened to one moment, not the best
of them. Let them be ever so much in earnest at the time, their parents
and guardians have the mastery of them sooner or later, and the farther
it has gone, the worse it is. I saw you lying asleep here looking so
innocent that it went to my heart, and I heard you mutter in your sleep
'Love is strong as death,' but that's only a bit of some play-book, and
don't you trust to it, for I never saw love that was stronger than a
spider's web."

"Oh, hush, Mrs. Loveday. It is in the Bible!"

"You don't say so, ma'am," the woman said awestruck.

"I would show it you, only all my things are away. God is love, you
know," said Aurelia, sitting up with clasped hands, "and He gives it, so
it must be strong."

"Well, all the love I've ever seen was more the devil's," said Loveday
truly enough; "and you'll find it so if you mean to trust to these fine
young beaux and what they say."

Aurelia shook her head a little as she sat up in bed with her clasped
hands; and there was a look on her face that Mrs. Loveday did not
understand, as she went on with her advice.

"So, my dear young lady, you see all that is left for you is to frame
your mind to keep close here, and conform to my Lady's will till all is
blown over one way or another."

"I know that," said Aurelia.

"Don't' you do anything to anger her," added the waiting-woman, "for
there's no one who can stand against her; and I'll speak up for you when
I can, for I know how to come round my Lady, if any one does. Tell me
what you want, and I'll get it for you; but don't try to get out, and
don't send Madge, for she is not to be trusted with money. If I were
you, I'd not let her see that watch, and I'd lock my door at night.
You're too innocent, whatever my Lady may say. Here's half a pound of
tea and sugar, which you had best keep to yourself, and I've seen
to there being things decent down stairs. Tell me, my dear, is there
anything you want? Your clothes, did you say? Oh, yes, you shall have
them--yes, and your books. Here's so