ed if she might stay with them until Miss
Vanbrugh's return? Of course her hostess assented, and she talked for
above an hour; chiefly of Paris, which she said she had just left; of
French customs; music, and literature.

In the midst of this, Miss Vanbrugh's voice was heard in the hall. The
girl started, as one does at the sound of some old tune, heard in youth,
and forgotten for years; her gaiety ceased; she put her hand before her
eyes; but when the door opened, she was her old self again.

No child "frayed with a sprite" could have looked more alarmed than Miss
Meliora at the sudden vision of this elegant young damsel, who advanced
towards her. The little old maid was quite overpowered with her stylish
bend; her salute, French fashion, cheek to cheek; and her anxious
inquiries after Miss Vanbrugh's health.

"I am quite well, thank you, madam. A friend of Mrs. Rothesay's I
suppose?" was poor Meliora's bewildered reply.

"No, indeed; I have not till now had the pleasure of hearing Mrs.
Rothesay's name. My visit was to yourself," said the stranger, evidently
enjoying the _incognito_ she had kept, for her black eyes sparkled with
fun.

"I am happy to see you, madam," again stammered the troubled Meliora.

"I thought you would be--I came to surprise you. My dear Miss Vanbrugh,
have you really forgotten me? Then allow me to re-introduce myself. My
name is Christal Manners."

Miss Meliora looked as if she could have sunk into the earth! Year after
year, from the sum left in the bank, she had paid the school-bill of her
self-assumed charge; but that was all. After-thoughts, and a few prudish
hints given by good-natured friends, had made her feel both ashamed
and frightened at having taken such a doubtful _protegee_. Whenever she
chanced to think of Christal's growing up, and coming back a woman, she
drove the subject from her mind in absolute alarm. Now the very thing
she dreaded had come upon her. Here was the desolate child returned,
a stylish young woman, with no home in the world but that of her sole
friend and protectress.

Poor Miss Vanbrugh was quite overwhelmed. She sank on a chair, "Dear me!
I am so frightened--that is, so startled. Oh, Miss Rothesay, what shall
I do?" and she looked appealingly to Olive.

But between her and Miss Rothesay glided the young stranger. The bright
colour paled from Christa's face--her smile passed into a frown.

"Then you are not glad to see me--you, the sole friend I have i