tell you how pleased I am, Miss Huntington, with the cordial
reception that Bertha has given you. It is seldom that she is so
strongly attracted by a stranger, and if you can but retain your
influence over her I am sure you cannot fail to do her good. I know that
you will not be easily discouraged."

"To be 'forewarned is to be forearmed,' you know, sir," Violet smilingly
responded; then she added more seriously, and with a firmness which told
her companion that she was far from lacking in decision of character:
"As I have already told you, I know but very little about teaching and
less about governing, from personal experience, but, while I mean to do
my duty faithfully and be all that is kind or considerate toward Miss
Bertha, I believe it will be better for both of us, if I insist upon
obedience and a cheerful compliance with my wishes--upon a regular
routine, during certain hours of the day, after which I shall be pleased
to attend to her pleasure and amusement."

Mr. Lawrence's smile told Violet that he approved of the course which
she had suggested, even before he replied:

"I agree with you most heartily, Miss Huntington," he said, "and if you
can, by any means, put your theory into practice, you will succeed in
doing more than any one else has ever done. Bertha is perfectly well and
strong, with the exception of her imperfect sight, and she ought to have
regular duties; but she is so willful and obstinate at times that others
have found it impossible to make her learn her lessons. She is naturally
affectionate and tender-hearted, and good when she is not crossed; then
there comes a severe trial of patience. But she is always repentant and
remorseful after her willfulness until--she is crossed again. Now, what
will you consider adequate remuneration for the giving up of your own
plans and assuming the responsibility which I desire to commit to you?"

Violet regarded her companion with unfeigned surprise.

This was a new way of making terms with a governess, she thought--to
request her to set her own price for her services.

"That is a matter which I supposed you would regulate yourself," she
remarked, flushing slightly, "at least until we can ascertain whether I
am to be successful in my position. I hope that Miss Bertha and I will
get on very agreeably," she concluded, earnestly.

"I feel very sure that you will," Mr. Lawrence replied, confidently. "My
family," he continued, "consists only of my daughter,