hat unfortunate young person can _not_ have
always resisted the horrid temptations and contaminations about her.
Hundreds of times she must have had deceit forced on her; she must have
lied, through ungovernable fear; she must have been left (at a critical
time in her life, mind!) with no more warning against the insidious
advances of the passions than--than--I'm repeating what Mr. Presty said
of a niece of his own, who went to a bad school at Paris; and I don't
quite remember what comparisons that eloquent man used when he was
excited. But I know what I mean. I like Miss Westerfield; I believe Miss
Westerfield will come out well in the end. But I don't forget that she
is going to lead a new life here--a life of luxury, my dear; a life of
ease and health and happiness--and God only knows what evil seed sown
in her, in her past life, may not spring up under new influences. I tell
you we must be careful; I tell you we must keep our eyes open. And so
much the better for Her. And so much the better for Us."

Mrs. Presty's wise and wary advice (presented unfavorably, it must be
owned, through her inveterately quaint way of expressing herself) failed
to produce the right impression on her daughter's mind. Mrs. Linley
replied in the tone of a person who was unaffectedly shocked.

"Oh, mamma, I never knew you so unjust before! You can't have heard all
that Miss Westerfield said to me. You don't know her, as I know her. So
patient, so forgiving, so grateful to Herbert."

"So grateful to Herbert." Mrs. Presty looked at her daughter in silent
surprise. There could be no doubt about it; Mrs. Linley failed entirely
to see any possibilities of future danger in the grateful feeling of her
sensitive governess toward her handsome husband. At this exhibition of
simplicity, the old lady's last reserves of endurance gave way: she rose
to go. "You have an excellent heart, Catherine," she remarked; "but as
for your head--"

"Well, and what of my head?"

"It's always beautifully dressed, my dear, by your maid." With that
parting shot, Mrs. Presty took her departure by way of the library.
Almost at the same moment, the door of the breakfast-room was opened. A
young man advanced, and shook hands cordially with Mrs. Linley.

Chapter IV. Randal Receives His Correspondence.

Self-revealed by the family likeness as Herbert's brother, Randal Linley
was nevertheless greatly Herbert's inferior in personal appearance.
His features were in