since my youth, and I feel more than I can
describe. Something whispers to me, `Do not go to France,' and yet
something impels me to go. Valerie, if I do come back I trust that you
will consider my house your home, if at any time you cannot place
yourself more to your satisfaction; I will not say more, as I know that
I am not exactly a lovable person, and my ways are odd; but do pray look
upon me as your sincere friend, who will always be ready to serve you.
I have to thank you for a few happy months, and that is saying much.
God bless you, my dear Valerie."

I was moved to tears by what Lady R--said, and I thanked her with a
faltering voice.

"Come now," said she, "I shall be off too early in the morning to see
you: let us take our farewell."

Lady R--put a small packet into my hand, kissed me on the forehead, and
then hastened up to her own room.

That people love change is certain, but still there is a mournfulness
connected with it; even in a change of residence, the packing up, the
litter attending it, the corded trunks and packages, give a forlorn
appearance to the house itself. To me it was peculiarly distressing; I
had changed so often within the last year, and had such a precarious
footing wherever I went, I felt myself to be the sport of fortune, and a
football to the whims and caprices of others. I was sitting in my
bedroom, my trunks packed but not yet closed down, thinking of Lady
R--'s last conversation, and very _triste_. The packet was lying on the
table before me, unopened, when I was roused by a knock at the door. I
thought it was Lady R--'s maid, and I said, "Come in."

The door opened, and Lionel made his appearance.

"Is it you, Lionel? What do you want?"

"I knew that you were up, and I recollected as we leave before you do,
to-morrow, that you would have no one to cord your luggage, so I thought
I would come up and do it for you to-night, Miss Valerie, if it is
ready."

"Thank you, Lionel, it is very considerate of you. I will lock the
trunks up, and you can cord them outside."

Lionel took out the trunks and corded them in the passage. When he had
finished he said to me, "Good bye, Miss Valerie. You will see me again
very soon."

"See you very soon, Lionel! I am afraid there is no chance of that, for
Lady R--intends to stay abroad for six months."

"I do not," replied he.

"Why, Lionel, it would be very foolish for you to give up such a good
situation. You have such un