e she will be obliged to rest on the road for a
night at least. Calculating on this, I assume that my letter will get
to you first. I have something to say about your old nurse, which it is
well that you should know.

"Do not for a moment suppose that I blame you for having told Teresa of
the unfriendly reception, which you appear to have met with from your
aunt and guardian. Who should you confide in--if not in the excellent
woman who has filled the place of a mother to you? Besides, from your
earliest years, have I not always instilled into you the reverence of
truth? You have told the truth in your letters. My child, I commend you,
and feel for you.

"But the impression produced on Teresa is not what you or I could wish.
It is one of her merits, that she loves you with the truest devotion; it
is one of her defects, that she is fierce and obstinate in resentment.
Your aunt has become an object of absolute hatred to her. I have
combated successfully, as I hope and believe--this unchristian state of
feeling.

"She is now beyond the reach of my influence. My purpose in writing is
to beg you to continue the good work that I have begun. Compose this
impetuous nature; restrain this fiery spirit. Your gentle influence,
Carmina, has a power of its own over those who love you--and who loves
you like Teresa?--of which perhaps you are not yourself aware. Use your
power discreetly; and, with the blessing of God and his Saints, I have
no fear of the result.

"Write to me, my child, when Teresa arrives--and let me hear that you
are happier, and better in health. Tell me also, whether there is any
speedy prospect of your marriage. If I may presume to judge from the
little I know, your dearest earthly interests depend on the removal
of obstacles to this salutary change in your life. I send you my good
wishes, and my blessing. If a poor old priest like me can be of any
service, do not forget.

"FATHER PATRIZIO."

Any lingering hesitation that Carmina might still have felt, was at an
end when she read this letter. Good Father Patrizio, like good Mr. Mool,
had innocently urged her to set her guardian's authority at defiance.

CHAPTER XL.

When the morning lessons were over, Carmina showed the priest's letter
to Miss Minerva. The governess read it, and handed it back in silence.

"Have you nothing to say?" Carmina asked.

"Nothing. You know my opinion already. That letter says what I have
said--with greater authority