at you never shall come again under his roof. She has, therefore,
transmitted a billet of 500 francs to enable you to return to your
father's house."

"Then," replied I, "it is as I suspected; Monsieur de G--is the cause of
all."

"Why did you trust him, Valerie, or rather why were you so imprudent,
and I must add, ungrateful, to speak of Madame d'Albret as you did."

"And you believe it, Madame Bathurst, you believe that I did so? I can
only say that if such is your belief, the sooner we part the better."

I then told her what I had omitted in my narrative, how I had refused
Monsieur de G--, and explaining his character, showed that he had acted
thus out of interest and revenge.

"I believe it all now, Valerie, and I must beg your pardon for having
supposed that you had been ungrateful. This explanation relieves me,
and enables me to make you the offer which I had thought of doing, had I
not been checked by this calumny against you. I say, therefore, for the
present, my dear Valerie, remain here. You are quite equal to be
governess to Caroline, but I prefer you should remain with me more as a
friend than as a governess. I say this, because I fear you will be too
proud to remain as a dependent, without making yourself useful. You
know that I did intend to take a governess for Caroline as soon as we
went to London. I will now take you if you will consent, and shall feel
the obligation on my side, as I shall not only have retained a capable
person, but shall also not lose a dear young friend."

"I thank you for the offer, my dear madame," replied I, rising and
courtseying; "I trust, however, that you will allow me a little time for
reflection before I decide. You must admit that this is a most critical
epoch in my life, and I must not make one false step if it is possible
to prevent it."

"Certainly," replied Madame Bathurst, "certainly. You are right,
Valerie, in reflecting well before you decide; but I must say that you
are rather haughty in your manner towards me."

"I may have been, my dear Madame Bathurst, but if so, take my excuses.
Recollect the Valerie of yesterday, who was your visitor and young
friend, is not the Valerie of to-day!" and with these words I took up
the cheque for 500 francs which Madame Bathurst had laid on the table,
left the room, and returned to my own apartment.

I returned to my room, and was glad to be once more alone, for although
I bore up well under the circumstances,