ith all my faults, that I had created in you a feeling of
attachment to me--God knows, that I _have tried_. If you knew all my
history, Valerie, you would not be surprised at my being strange. That
occurred when I was of your age which would have driven some people to
despair or suicide. As it is, it has alienated me from all my
relations, not that I have many. My brother, I never see or hear from,
and have not for years. I have refused all his invitations to go down
to see him, and he is now offended with me; but there are causes for it,
and years cannot wipe away the memory of what did occur."

"I assure you, Lady R--, I have been very sensible of your kindness to
me," replied I, "and shall always remember it with gratitude; and if you
think I have no regard for you, you are mistaken; but the subject has
become painful--pray let us say no more."

"Well, Valerie, be it so; perhaps it is the wisest plan--"

To change the conversation, I said--"Is not your brother the present
baronet?"

"Yes," replied Lady R--

"And where does he reside?"

"In Essex, at Culverwood Hall, the seat of all my misfortunes."

I started a little at the mention of the place, as it was the one which
the reader may remember was spoken of by Lionel. I then turned the
conversation to other matters, and by dinner-time Lady R--had recovered
herself, and was as amiable as ever.

From that day until Lady R--set off for Paris, there was not a word said
relative to Lady M--. She was kind and polite, but not so warm and
friendly as she had been before, and in her subdued bearing towards me
was more agreeable. Her time was now employed in making preparations
for her tour. Lionel was the only one who was to accompany her except
her own maid. At last she fixed the day of her departure, and I wrote
to Lady M--, who returned an answer that it suited her exactly, as she
would go to the country the day after. The evening before Lady R--was
to start was passed very gloomily.

I felt great sorrow at our separation, more than I could have imagined;
but when you have been associated with a person who is good-tempered and
kind, you soon feel more for them than you would suppose until you are
about to quit them.

Lady R--was very much dispirited, and said to me, "Valerie, I have a
presentiment that we never shall meet again, and yet I am anything but
superstitious. I can truly say that you are the only person to whom I
have felt real attachment