wonder of the
world, at Miss Wigger's school.

At the first stationer's shop that he passed, he stopped the carriage
and wrote his letter.

"I shall be glad indeed if I can offer you a happier life than the life
you are leading now. It rests with you to help me do this. Will you send
me the address of your parents, if they are in London, or the name of
any friend with whom I can arrange to give you a trial as governess to
my little girl? I am waiting your answer in the neighborhood. If any
hinderance should prevent you from replying at once, I add the name of
the hotel at which I am staying--so that you may telegraph to me, before
I leave London to-night."

The stationer's boy, inspired by a private view of half-a-crown, set off
at a run--and returned at a run with a reply.

"I have neither parents nor friends, and I have just been dismissed from
my employment at the school. Without references to speak for me, I must
not take advantage of your generous offer. Will you help me to bear my
disappointment, permitting me to see you, for a few minutes only, at
your hotel? Indeed, indeed, sir, I am not forgetful of what I owe to my
respect for you, and my respect for myself. I only ask leave to satisfy
you that I am not quite unworthy of the interest which you have been
pleased to feel in--S.W."

In those sad words, Sydney Westerfield announced that she had completed
her education.

THE STORY

FIRST BOOK.

Chapter I. Mrs. Presty Presents Herself.

NOT far from the source of the famous river, which rises in the
mountains between Loch Katrine and Loch Lomond, and divides the
Highlands and the Lowlands of Scotland, travelers arrive at the
venerable gray walls of Mount Morven; and, after consulting their guide
books, ask permission to see the house.

What would be called, in a modern place of residence, the first
floor, is reserved for the occupation of the family. The great hall of
entrance, and its quaint old fireplace; the ancient rooms on the same
level opening out of it, are freely shown to strangers. Cultivated
travelers express various opinions relating to the family portraits,
and the elaborately carved ceilings. The uninstructed public declines
to trouble itself with criticism. It looks up at the towers and the
loopholes, the battlements and the rusty old guns, which still bear
witness to the perils of past times when the place was a fortress--it
enters the gloomy hall, walks through the s