s yourself. But you have put
something of your own nature into mine. I will silently guard Christal
as if I had been her own brother,--and yours."

... "The crisis must be coming, from what the little girl tells me. Miss
Manners and Madame Blandin have been at open war for days. Clotilde
is in great glee since the English teacher is going away. Poor forlorn
Christal! whither can she go? I must try and save her, before it is too
late."

... "I sit down at midnight to inform you of all that has happened this
day, that you may at once answer and tell me what further I am to do. I
went once more to visit Madame Blandin, who poured out upon me a whole
stream of reproaches against Christal."

--"'She was _un petit diable_ always; and now, though she has been my
own pupil for years, I would rather turn her out to starve than keep her
in my house for another day.'

"'But,' said I, 'you might at least find her some other situation.'

"'I offered, if she would only tell me who she is, and what are her
connections. I cannot recommend as a governess a girl without friends--a
_nobody_.'

"'Yet you took her as a pupil.'

"'Oh, Monsieur, that was a different matter; and then I was so liberally
paid. Now, if you should be a relative'----

"'I am not, as I told you,' said I, indignant at the woman's meanness.
'But I will see this poor girl, nevertheless, if she will permit me.'

"'Her permission is no matter. No one cares for Miss Manners's whims
now,' was the careless reply, as Madame ushered me into the deserted
schoolroom, and then quickly vanished. She evidently dreaded a meeting
with her refractory teacher. Well she might, for there sat Christal--but
I will tell you all minutely. You see how I try to note down every
trifle, knowing your anxiety.

"Christal was sitting at the window, gazing at the high, blank,
convent-like walls. Dull, helpless misery was in every line of her face
and attitude. But the moment she saw me she rose up, her eyes darting
fire.

"'Have you come to insult me, Mr. Gwynne? Did I not send you word I
would see no one? What do you mean by haunting me in this way?'

"I spoke to her very quietly, and begged her to remember I was a friend,
and had parted from her as such only three months before.

"'But you know what has happened since? Attempt not to deceive me--you
do! I read it in your eyes long ago, at the chapel. You are come to pity
the poor nameless wretch--the--Ah! you know the horrible wor