, and the one influence of which would be felt as
long as she retained her present position.

Those three simple, earnest words told her that, by continuing firm
during their recent contest, she had gained an influence and hold upon
the young girl's heart that she would never lose, and she resolved to
persevere in the course she had laid out for herself.

It was easy to resolve when her pupil was in such a delightful mood, but
it was not so easy to execute, and Violet had to exercise all the
patience and self-control of which she was possessed, for during the
next few weeks there were several repetitions of willfulness and
obstinacy on the part of her pupil, although she never held out so long
again and was more easily conquered each time.

She finally seemed to realize that her governess meant just what she
said--that sooner or later she must yield her the obedience which she
demanded; and after a while it became evident to Violet that she was
really trying to conquer her antagonistic disposition, and was truly
anxious to please her.

There were many struggles and many failures, for over-indulgence had
pampered her disposition and fostered a selfishness which was not easily
mastered; but the strong will was now being bent in the right direction,
and the fruits of firmness and decision were making themselves manifest;
while, as Violet was always patient and gentle, tender in reproof, and
sympathetic whenever Bertha manifested sorrow, the child gradually grew
to love her almost to idolatry.

Six months after the young teacher took up her abode in that elegant
home, one would hardly have recognized the docile, obedient child, and
every one in the house marveled at the change in her.

Study grew delightful to her; she made rapid progress in her music, and
became so gentle and courteous to the servants, so affectionate and
companionable with her father, that she was like a sunbeam in the house.

CHAPTER XXIV.

VIOLET MEETS WITH AN ACCIDENT.

Violet's life became more and more pleasant as time went on. Her pupil
continued to make marked and steady progress in her studies, while in
music she was becoming wonderfully proficient. She also grew more
cheerful and equable in temperament, and Mr. Lawrence was constantly
congratulating himself upon having secured such a treasure for a
governess.

He was not long in discovering, also, that she was a very cultivated
young woman and exceedingly companionable as well