my housekeeper,
and myself, besides the servants. I fear it may be somewhat dull for you
here, at times, as we live so quietly; but we will endeavor to make it
as pleasant as possible for you. We will enter into no formal contract
at present--I would not ask you to pledge yourself to remain any length
of time, until you have an opportunity to realize what your duties and
responsibilities will be; but if--while you do remain--a hundred dollars
a quarter will be sufficient for your needs, I shall consider myself
fortunate in securing your services for that amount."

"The sum will be ample, thank you," Violet returned, secretly thinking
it a very generous offer, while she began to realize that she was also
very fortunate in securing so pleasant a home and such a remunerative
position, instead of having to trust to promiscuous pupils for her
living.

Still, she knew that it would be no light task to have to be eyes for
the blind, and subject to the willfulness and obstinacy of a capricious
and over-indulged child. That there would be many severe trials in her
position she did not doubt, but there would also be comfort in having
the protection of a home, and, perhaps, the occasional companionship of
a cultured gentleman like Mr. Lawrence.

She arose to take her leave now, and Mr. Lawrence himself accompanied
her to the door instead of calling a servant to show her out.

He bade her a courteous good-day, saying he should hope to see her as
early as convenient on the morrow, and offering to send his carriage for
her if she would give him her address.

Violet thanked him, but declined his kind offer, for she was not quite
sure at what hour she would be ready to leave her lodgings, as she had
two or three errands to do in the morning.

But about eleven o'clock the next day she arrived at her future home,
where she found Mr. Lawrence just going to his office down town.

He greeted her warmly, waiting until her trunk was brought in, and
directed that it should be carried up to the blue room.

Then, as he was about leaving he remarked, with earnest hospitality:

"Pray make yourself perfectly at home, Miss Huntington, call upon the
servants for anything you want, and command me at any time."

Violet thanked him, and then followed her trunk to the blue room, which
she found to be a lovely apartment with an alcove, adjoining Bertha's
sitting-room, and furnished with all the comfort and elegance to which
she had been accusto