Maria, when I
look at the governesses at school, and think that I'm going to be like
that all my days, it _does_ seem hard that I shouldn't have just two or
three years _first_ of the life I want!"

The words, the tone, both bore a touch of real pathos; nevertheless Lady
Hayes smiled, as if, so far from being pained by the sad prospect, she
found something amusing in the contemplation.

"It is a mistake to look too far ahead in life, but of course if you
contemplate teaching, you ought to be thoroughly equipped." She was
silent for a moment, gazing thoughtfully through the window. Then in a
level, perfectly commonplace voice she continued: "I shall be pleased,
my dear, to defray the expenses of your course at Newnham..."

The manner in which our great ambitions in life meet their realisation
is always and inevitably other than we have imagined. Sometimes so many
years have passed by since the dreaming of the cherished plans, that the
eager spirit is transformed into a wearied and dispirited being, to whom
fulfilment brings no joy; sometimes it comes freighted with
complications which rob it of half its zest; sometimes it brings no
charm at all, but only bitterness and disappointment; and again--oh,
often again, thank God for His mercies!--it comes at the moment of
hopelessness, of renunciation, dazzling the eyes and heart with a very
incredulity of joy.

Those few quiet words in an old woman's voice transformed for Darsie
Garnett the whole path ahead, making what had seemed a far-away vision
become a solid, tangible fact. Quietly, prosaically, without any
nourish of trumpets, the great prize of life had been handed into her
grasp.

She sat motionless, staring with distended eyes, while Lady Hayes
continued to speak in calm, even tones.

"I should like to explain to you, my dear, that I am not as rich a woman
as I appear. It was my dear husband's wish that I should continue to
occupy this house for the term of my life, but after that it passes to
his relations. It is an expensive place to keep up, and leaves little
margin out of the income which goes with it. I cannot save as I should
have wished, and my own property is not large. When it is divided among
my various nephews and nieces, there will not be much for each. I
should like to have done more for your father, as he has a large family
to provide for, but it is impossible. In your case, however, you have
done me a kindness in spending these weeks w