nd turning very
pale.

"Yes, for Irene told me."

"My dear, dear Miss Cunliffe, how had you the courage to go with her in
that terrible boat? She actually took you into the current--that
appalling current where one is so powerless--and you escaped!"

"Oh, yes," said Rosamund lightly. "It was a mere nothing. You see, I am
stronger than she is. All she wants is management."

"I could never manage her," said Miss Carter. "I could tell you of other
things she did."

"No, I don't want to hear unless you are going to tell me something nice
about her. Every one seems to speak against that poor girl; but I am
determined to be her friend."

"Are you really?" said Miss Carter, suddenly changing her tone and
looking fixedly at Rosamund. "Then you must be about the noblest girl in
the world."

These words were very gratifying to Rosamund, who did think herself
rather good in taking up Irene's cause; although, of course, she was
fascinated by the exceedingly naughty young person.

"Yes, indeed, you are splendid," said Miss Carter; "and I know there
must be good in the child. Such courage, such animal spirits, such
daring cannot be meant for nothing. The fact is, her mother cannot
manage her. Her mother is too gentle, too like me."

"Dear Lady Jane! Miss Carter, when my mother was young she was her great
friend, and she said that Lady Jane was rather naughty."

"Ah!" said Miss Carter, with a sigh, "she has left all that behind her a
long time ago. The only time I found her hard and unsympathetic was when
I told her that I could not stay any longer at The Follies. She begged
and implored of me to stay; but, of course, you know the story. I was
under a promise to go, and I could not let out that Irene had wrung it
from me at the risk of my life. So I went, and she took no notice of
me, although it seemed to me that a sort of despair filled her face.
Anyhow, off I went, and I am a happy woman here. I don't know what is to
be done with Irene."

How long were you with her?

"A month altogether; but that month seems like years. I was very glad to
get the post, for I must tell you, Miss Cunliffe, that I am poor and
dependent altogether on what I earn for my daily bread. I have an old
mother at home; I help her to keep alive with some of my earnings; and
Lady Jane offered a very big salary--over a hundred a year--and there
was only one child to teach, and I thought it would be so delightful.
She mentioned the charms of the co