as correct.

"I have no doubt of it, madame," replied I, looking at it and then
laying it down on the desk before her.

Madame Bathurst put the sum in bank-notes and sovereigns down before me,
and said, "Do me the favour to count it, and see if it is correct;" and
then rising, said, "your wishes will be complied with by my servants as
usual, mademoiselle, as long as you remain under my roof. I wish you
farewell."

The last words were accompanied with a low courtesy, and she then
quitted the room.

I replied with a salute as formal as her own, and mortified at the
treatment I had received, I sat down, and a few tears escaped, but my
pride came to my assistance, and I soon recovered myself.

This scene was, however, another proof to me of what I must in future
expect; and it had the effect of hardening me and blunting my feelings.
"_Miss_ Caroline!" said I to myself, "when the _protegee_ of Madame
d'Albret, and the visitor of Madame Bathurst, it was Caroline and dear
Valerie. She might have allowed me to quit her without pointing out to
me in so marked a manner how our relative positions have been changed.
However, I thank you, Madame Bathurst; what obligations I may have been
under to you are now cancelled, and I need not regret the weight of them
as I might have done. Ah! Madame d'Albret, you took me from my home
that I might not be buffeted by my mother, and now you have abandoned me
to be buffeted by the whole world; well, be it so, I will fight my way,
nevertheless;" and as I left the room to pack up my trunks, I felt my
courage rise from this very attempt on the part of Madame Bathurst to
humiliate me.

The letter of Madame Bathurst to Lady R--, brought the latter to the
house that afternoon. I was up in my room when I was informed by the
servants that she waited below to see me. When I entered she was alone,
Madame Bathurst having gone out in her carriage, and as soon as she saw
me, she rushed into my arms almost, taking me by both hands, and saying
how happy she was that she had acquired such a treasure as a friend and
companion; wished to know whether I could not come with her immediately,
as her carriage was at the door, and went on for nearly ten minutes
without a check, asking fifty questions, and not permitting me to answer
one. At last I was able to reply to the most important, which was, that
I would be happy to come to her on the following morning, if she would
send for me. She insisted that