re, but having become so far
used to her that for his own sake he could not endure the notion of a
substitute. 'Find out the objection,' he said, 'that at least I may know
whether to punch Augusta's head.'

Honora gratified him by seeking an interview with the governess, though
not clear herself as to the right course, and believing that her advice,
had she any to give, would go for very little with the learned governess.
Miss Fennimore was soft and sad, but decided, and begging to be spared
useless arguments. Whether Lady Bannerman had insulted her by hinting
her suspicions, Honor could not divine, for she was firmly entrenched
within her previous motive, namely, that it would be wrong to remain in a
family where first her system, and then her want of vigilance, had
produced such results. And to the representation that for her own sake
the present conjuncture was the worst in which she could depart, she
replied that it mattered not, since she saw her own deficiencies too
plainly ever to undertake again the charge of young ladies, and only
intended to find employment as a teacher in a school.

'Say no more,' she entreated; 'and above all do not let Phoebe persuade
me,' and there were tears on either cheek.

'Indeed, I believe her not having done so is a most unselfish act of
deference to your judgment.'

'I know it for a sign of true affection! You, who know what she is, can
guess what it costs me to leave her above all, now that I am one in faith
with her, and could talk to her more openly than I ever dared to do; she
whose example first showed me that faith is a living substance! Yes,
Miss Charlecote, I am to be received into the Church at St. Wulstan's,
where I shall be staying, as soon as I have left Beauchamp.'

Overcome with feeling, Honora hastily rose and kissed the governess's
forehead, her tears choking her utterance. 'But--but,' she presently
said, 'that removes all possible doubt. Does not Robert say so?'

'He does,' said Miss Fennimore; 'but I cannot think so. After having
miserably infused my own temper of rationalism, how could I, as a novice
and learner, fitly train that poor child? Besides, others of the family
justly complain of me, and I _will_ not be forced on them. No, nor let
my newly-won blessing be alloyed by bringing me any present advantage.'

'I honour you--I agree with you,' said Miss Charlecote, sadly; 'but it
makes me the more sorry for those poor girls. I do not see what i