tten previous to folding the letter, but I
felt no inclination to alter it, probably because I had not quite so
wholly forgiven Madame d'Albret as I thought that I had. Be it as it
may, the letter was sealed and despatched by that night's post, as well
as that written to Madame Paon.

I had now only to arrange with Madame Bathurst, and I went down into the
drawing-room where I found her alone. "I have considered, my dear
Madame Bathurst," said I, "your kind proposal. I certainly have had a
little struggle to get over, as you must admit that it is not pleasant
to sink from a visitor in a family into a dependent, as I must in future
be, if I remain with you, but the advantages of being with a person whom
I respect as much as I do you, and of having charge of a young person to
whom I am so attached as I am to Caroline, have decided me on accepting
your offer. May I know then, what may be the terms upon which I am
received as governess?"

"Valerie, I feel that this is all pride," replied Madame Bathurst, "but
still it is not disreputable pride, and though I shall yield to it, I
would have made no terms, but retained you as a dear friend, my purse
and everything in the house at your command, and I hoped that you would
have allowed me so to do; but as you will not, I have only to say that I
should have expected to pay any governess whom I might have retained for
Caroline, a salary of 100 pounds per annum, and that I offer you the
same."

"It is more than sufficient, my dear madame," replied I, "and I accept
your offer if you will take me on trial for six months."

"Valerie, you make me laugh, and make me angry at the same time, but I
can bear much from you now, for you have had a heavy blow, my poor
child. Now let's say no more on the subject; all is settled, and the
arrangement will remain a secret, unless you publish it yourself."

"I certainly shall make no secret of it, Madame Bathurst; I should be
sorry to show false colours, and be supposed by your friends to be
otherwise than what I really am. I have done nothing that I ought to be
ashamed of, and I abhor deceit. Whatever may be my position in life, I
trust that I shall never disgrace the name that I bear, and I am not the
first of a noble name who has had a reverse in fortune."

How strange that I now, for the first time in my life, began to feel
pride in my family name. I presume because when we have lost almost
everything, we cherish more that which re