ow that; but a resolution may be altered when circumstances demand
it. Madame d'Albret was no more related to you than I am, and yet you
accepted her offer."

"I did, madame," replied I, bitterly, "and you know the result. I would
have staked my life upon her sincerity and affection, and yet how was I
cast away? With every feeling of gratitude, my dear madame, I cannot
accept your offer, for I never will put myself in a similar position a
second time."

"You do not pay me a very great compliment by that remark, Valerie,"
said Madame Bathurst somewhat harshly.

"Indeed, my dear madame, I should be sorry if anything I have said
should annoy one who has been so kind and considerate to me as you have
been; but I know that I should be miserable and unhappy if not
independent, and I never can risk a second shock, like that I received
from the conduct of Madame d'Albret. I entreat as a favour that you
will not continue the subject."

"Well, Valerie, I will not; perhaps had I been treated as you have been,
I might feel the same. What then do you propose to seek? Is it the
situation of a governess?"

"Anything in preference, my dear madame; I was sufficiently humiliated
yesterday. I should prefer that of a lady's-maid, although I hope not
to descend quite so low."

"There are so few situations for a person educated as you have been.
There is a companion for a lady, which I believe is anything but
pleasant. There is that of amanuensis, but it is seldom required. You
might certainly go out and give lessons in music, and singing, and in
the French language; but there are so many French masters and
mistresses, and for music and singing a master is always preferred, why,
I do not exactly know. However, I think something may be done when we
go to town, but till then all that we can do is to talk the matter over.
Perhaps something may turn up when we least expect it. I will,
however, now that I know your decision, make every inquiry, and give you
all the assistance in my power."

I expressed my thanks and gratitude, and the conversation ended.

I did not, however, trust altogether to Madame Bathurst. I wrote a
letter to my acquaintance, Madame Gironac, in Leicester Square, stating
what had occurred, and what my ideas and intentions were, requesting her
to give me her advice and opinion as to the best plan I could follow.
In a few days I received from her the following reply, which I insert as
characteristic of the