iged
to live in society; and, provided that we do not become its dupe,
it is better that what you call the mantle of decorum should give to
social life an aspect which renders it supportable."

As we returned from the ruin the sky had become misty, and the sun
was setting behind the clouds, its presence being only marked by the
orange and purple rays struggling through the mist; the fields were
already invisible under this wet sheet of nature's procuring. It
was time for us to seek shelter from such humidity as surrounded
us. Francis proposed to enter the house with all speed.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Now that Francis was once in the humour to give me the history of
her past life, I encouraged her to continue her story.

She went on to say that a Swiss governess was engaged to teach her
needlework and other ladylike accomplishments.

"My father," she said, "seeing all his plans foiled by the unexpected
visit of my English aunt, left me entirely in the hands of my
governess. And as I no longer wrote a letter every year to the
old uncle telling him of my progress in fencing and horsemanship,
and signing myself Francis Mordaunt (I had been told this was the
accepted orthography in England), Sir John received no more bills of
exchange from that source. It was these bills of exchange which had
enabled him to keep up such an expensive establishment. He ought now
to have adopted a plainer style of living; but he preferred drawing
upon his capital.

"I thought it my duty to write to Aunt Ellen, and to tell her the truth
about my having left the school. She answered me in affectionate terms,
and enclosed the annual fifty pounds with many exhortations to industry
and much good advice. She even promised me I should come to London on
a visit, as she had much to tell me. But, alas! next year she died,
and my pension ceased--nor have I ever heard a word of my English
relations since.

"Mademoiselle Chelles, my governess, was a woman of tact, and won
my affection and esteem. In the long walks we took together our
conversation was confidential, and she spoke of the sufferings of the
poor, and the pleasures to be derived from relieving them; in short,
she showed me the serious side of life in a manner no one else had
ever done before. She inspired me with a love for the beauties of
nature, and awoke the better feelings which, thus far, had lain
dormant; assisting me in my preparation for confirmation. Perhaps
she would h