"

The soft tap of Heliet's crutches had died away, but Clarice stood still
with the child in her arms.

"It must be _yet_ now, however," she said, half aloud. "Do Thy will
with me--cut me and perfect me; but, O God, leave me, leave me Rosie!"

CHAPTER NINE.

OVERWHELMED.

"I am a useless and an evil man,--
God planned my life, and let men spoil His plan."

_Isabella Fyvie Mayo_.

Oakham was left behind; and to the surprise of the party--except the
Countess, her Prime Minister, Father Miles, and her Foreign Secretary,
Felicia--they found themselves lodged in Rochester Castle. Here the
Countess shut herself up, and communicated with the outward world
through her Cabinet only. All orders were brought to the ladies by
Felicia, and were passed to Vivian by Father Miles. The latter was
closeted with his lady for long periods, and rolls of writing appeared
to be the result of these conferences.

The winter moved on with leaden feet, according to the ideas of the
household, and of Ada more particularly.

"This sort of life is really something dreadful!" said that young lady.
"If the frost would only break up, it would make something fresh to look
at. There is _nothing_ to be done!"

"Poor Ada!" responded Olympias, laughing. "Do get some needlework."

"I am tired of needlework," answered Ada. "I am tired of everything!"

Felicia came in as the words were spoken.

"I have permission to tell you something," she said, with a light in her
black eyes which Clarice felt sure meant mischief. "The Lady has
appealed to the holy Father for a divorce from the Lord Earl."

"Will she get it?" asked Olympias.

"No doubt of it," replied Felicia dogmatically.

"And if so, what will she do then?" asked Ada.

"Her pious intention," said Felicia, the black eyes dancing, "is to
become a holy Sister of the Order of the blessed Saint Dominic."

"Then what is to become of the Lord Earl?" queried Olympias. "I suppose
he can marry somebody else. I hope he will."

"That is no concern of the Lady's," said Felicia, in a tone of pious
severity. "The religious do not trouble their holy repose about
externs, except to offer prayers for their salvation."

"Why, then, we shall all be turned out!" blankly cried Ada. "What is to
become of us all?"

"What will become of me is already settled," replied Felicia demurely.
"I am about to make profession in the same convent with my mistress."

"Thank the saints!" reach