, for, while Violet was
conscientious in the discharge of her duties toward her charge, she did
not neglect any opportunity to improve herself.

She took up a course of reading which could not fail to expand her mind
and enlarge her views of life; kept herself informed regarding passing
events, while she devoted the greater portion of her evenings, after
Bertha had retired, to music, both vocal and instrumental.

No one who had known her in the old days in Cincinnati would have
believed it possible that she could have changed in so short a time from
a careless girl into this self-contained yet gracious woman, who charmed
every one with her sweet dignity, her beautiful face, and cultured
conversation, and Mr. Lawrence was not slow to appreciate his good
fortune in having so lovely a woman in his home.

"She would grace the highest position in the land," he told himself, one
night, when, at his request, she had presided over his table at a select
dinner party, bearing herself with so much ease and grace, and
displaying so much tact, that he was charmed and his guests eloquent in
their praises of her.

From that time he began to show her, in a quiet way, numberless little
attentions. If he heard her express a desire, it was unostentatiously
gratified within twenty-four hours. If she mentioned a book or picture,
it appeared as if by magic--the one among the collection upon Bertha's
shelves, the other somewhere upon the walls of her sitting-room, while
every day the choicest of flowers found their way, by some unseen
agency, to the little table which was devoted to Violet's especial use.

Once or twice every week Mr. Lawrence would come home to luncheon,
bringing opera or theater tickets for a matinee, and though Bertha and
the housekeeper were always included in these pleasures, for form's
sake, it was evident that the gentleman was most anxious to contribute
to the enjoyment of the fair governess, for he always managed to
ascertain her preference, and in this way Violet had opportunity to hear
the best histrionic and musical talent.

Every pleasant afternoon he would plan a drive or a visit to some
picture-gallery or museum of art for her and Bertha, who,
notwithstanding her imperfect sight, enjoyed listening to a description
of the beautiful and interesting things about her, while it was
something new and delightful to have her papa such a devoted and
faithful attendant.

One day, for a change, they drove out to o