news received from home, my nieces have decided to leave
the Court at once. That means that three out of the four whom I
selected for my experiment have, of their own accord, refused to carry
out the conditions. Under these circumstances, I think it is only right
to offer to release you from your promise, if you prefer to return home
at the same time. Everything will be changed, and you may not care to
stay on with only myself as a companion."

Victor's eyelids dropped, and a quiver of emotion passed over his face.
Ruth saw it, and, with a sinking heart, realised that it resembled
exultation rather than grief. He was silent for a moment, but when he
spoke nothing could well have been more dignified and natural than words
and manner--

"If it will inconvenience you in any way to entertain me alone, I am, of
course, perfectly ready to leave; but if you give me the choice--if it
is left to me to decide, sir--I should prefer to keep my promise, and
stay for the remainder of the time. I might perhaps be of some help to
you when you are alone."

The strained expression on Mr Farrell's face gave place to one of
unmistakable satisfaction.

"That is good!" he replied heartily. "I am glad to find that you at
least have some appreciation of the nature of a bargain. It will be
lonely for you, but I am the more obliged for your decision. I won't
keep you any longer just now, as we shall have other opportunities of
conversation, and I have my adieux to make."

The door closed behind Victor, and Mr Farrell turned immediately
towards his eldest grand-niece, as if anxious to get through an ordeal.

"Well, Ruth, I must bid you good-bye. I trust you will have a pleasant
journey, and find matters at home less serious than you anticipate."

"Thank you, Uncle Bernard." Ruth extended a cold little hand, and stood
hesitating by his side, while his sunken eyes dwelt upon the face which
in feature was so like his own. "I've enjoyed the time--part of the
time--more than anything else in my life! I'm sorry if I have done
wrong in any way; I wanted only to please you!"

"For my own sake, or for what I could give?"

The question came sharp and abrupt, and Ruth's cheeks flamed beneath it.
She hesitated painfully, gathering courage to speak the truth.

"Oh, I know I have been mercenary! I'm sick of being poor, and I love
the Court and the easy, luxurious life. I wanted the money more than
anything in the world; but it's all ov