nd a lady
entered, followed by a gentleman. She was grandly beautiful, and
Clemence thought one of the haughtiest women she had ever met. She rose,
and introduced herself, stating her errand, as Miss Graystone, the
person desiring the position of governess, referring to the
advertisement.

The beautiful eyes fastened themselves inquiringly upon her face.

"There had already been a number of applicants, none of whom had given
satisfaction."

There was a moment's silence, during which Clemence felt that two pairs
of eyes were studying her countenance closely, then a series of
questions:

"What were her accomplishments?"

"Where had she received her education?"

Clemence felt like replying that she had received a good many lessons
since she had been pronounced finished by Madame Latour--lessons in
human nature, that all who have the misfortune to be poor and ambitious,
must learn, sooner or later.

"Could she dance, draw, paint, give instruction in vocal and
instrumental music?"

To all of these, Clemence replied in the affirmative, and, as before, in
obedience to a request in the imperative mode, to favor them with a
specimen of her musical ability, went forward and took a seat at the
piano.

She could not help looking her surprise, when the gentleman rose
politely to turn her music. She had not been accustomed to such little
attentions of late, though, in the past, she would have expected them,
and treated them as a matter of course. She noticed the gentleman was
handsome and distinguished-looking, with kind, grave eyes, and a smile
that illumined his intellectual face like a gleam of sunshine. His age
might have been thirty, possibly thirty-five.

Clemence's performance seemed to give satisfaction, although she did not
play as well as usual. After a few more questions, the lady asked the
gentleman if she had not better engage the services of this young person
at once.

"By all means," he said with emphasis; "I have no doubt that the young
lady will give perfect satisfaction."

Clemence again felt grateful for his kindness. She had learned to
appreciate and value a word of sympathy or encouragement. Poor child!
she received few enough of them now.

"Very well, you can come to-morrow. The children have been for some time
without a teacher, and I wish them to commence upon a course as soon as
possible."

Then, after a few remarks, and the mention of a salary, which seemed
princely to Clemence, she was