e establishment as one of themselves, the reflection was too
mortifying, and I determined that if I were driven to such an employment
for my livelihood, it should be where I was not known. After much
consideration, I decided that I would see Madame Bathurst, make known to
her my intentions, and ask her assistance and recommendation to procure
me a situation. I arranged my hair, removed all traces of my late
agitation, and went down to her. I found her alone, and asking her
whether she could spare me a few minutes of her time, I handed to her
the letter which I had received from Madame Paon, and then made her
acquainted with that portion of my history with which she had been
unacquainted. As I spoke my courage revived, and my voice became firm--
I felt that I was no longer a girl.

"Madame Bathurst, I have confided this to you, because you will agree
with me that there can be nothing more between Madame d'Albret and me,
for even if she made an offer, I would never accept it. I am now in a
very false position, owing to her conduct. I am here on a visit,
supposed by you to be the _protegee_ of that lady, and a person of some
consequence. Her protection has been taken away from me, and I am now a
beggar, with nothing but my talents for my future support. I explain
this to you frankly, because I cannot think of remaining as your
visitor; and if I do not ask too much, all that I wish of your
friendship is, that you will give me such a recommendation as you think
I deserve, by which I may obtain the means of future livelihood."

"My dear Valerie," replied Madame Bathurst, "I will not hurt your
feelings. It is a heavy blow, and I am glad to perceive, that instead
of being crashed by it, you appear to rise. I have heard of Madame
d'Albret's marriage, and the deceit which she has been practising
evidently to get rid of you. Not many days ago I wrote to her, pointing
out the variance between what she stated in her letters, and her actual
position, and requesting to know what was to be done relative to you.
Her answer I have received this day. She states that you have cruelly
deceived her; that at the very time that you professed the utmost
gratitude and affection, you were slandering her and laughing at her
behind her back, particularly to Monsieur de G--, to whom she is now
married; and that, however she might be inclined to forgive and overlook
your conduct herself, that Monsieur de G--is resolute, and determined
th