l the time. It was a pleasure to see the contrast between her manner
and Jane's. There was soul in her, real hopes I should be happy, while
Jane seemed only to think it tolerable, because I might end in being
an ambassadress. I will see her again before the party, and draw my own
conclusions.'

'Does she know that Percy will not go?'

'I know no such thing.'

She was too proud to ask what had passed in Violet's interview with him,
and indeed was ready to take fire at the idea of their affairs having
been discussed with her.

She strove to believe herself the offended party, but her conscience was
not easily appeased, though she tried to set it at rest by affectionate
care of Violet, and was much gratified by Arthur's stopping her after
Violet had gone up-stairs at night, to beg her to stay, while he was at
Windsor with his regiment.

'Thank you, for making me of use,' she said.

'I shall come backwards and forwards continually,' said Arthur, 'but she
must not be alone; I shall be very glad if you can stay, or I shall be
driven to have one of the Mosses here.'

'Oh, no, no! I shall be most happy to stay. I will take every care of
her.'

'Thank you, Theodora; good night. You have got to know her better now,'
he continued, lingering as on that first night to gain some word of
commendation of her.

'Much better,' said Theodora cordially. 'One cannot help growing fond of
her--so gentle and engaging.'

She was pleased with his satisfaction; and while she owned Violet's
sincerity and sweetness, considered her one of those soft dependent
beings formed to call forth tenderness from strong and superior spirits,
and gloried in being necessary to her: it almost restored her balance of
complacency.

On Sunday afternoon Violet stayed at home with little Johnnie, and the
vacant place in the seat at church was filled by Mr. Fotheringham. Many
thoughts floated through Theodora's mind; but whether the better or the
worse would gain the advantage seemed rather to depend on chance than on
herself. Perhaps she was not yet conscious what were her besetting sins,
and thus the conflict was merely a struggle between her feelings for her
friend and for her lover.

Arthur walked home with an acquaintance; but Theodora turned from Percy,
and threw herself into eager conversation with Lady Elizabeth.

On entering the house, as Violet was not in the drawing-room, Theodora
was going up-stairs, when Percy said, in a tone of authority,