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" The soft tap of Heliet's crutches had died away, but Clarice stood still with the child in her arms. "It must be _yet_ now, however," she said, half aloud. "Do Thy will with me--cut me and perfect me; but, O God, leave me, leave me Rosie!" CHAPTER NINE. OVERWHELMED. "I am a useless and an evil man,-- God planned my life, and let men spoil His plan." _Isabella Fyvie Mayo_. Oakham was left behind; and to the surprise of the party--except the Countess, her Prime Minister, Father Miles, and her Foreign Secretary, Felicia--they found themselves lodged in Rochester Castle. Here the Countess shut herself up, and communicated with the outward world through her Cabinet only. All orders were brought to the ladies by Felicia, and were passed to Vivian by Father Miles. The latter was closeted with his lady for long periods, and rolls of writing appeared to be the result of these conferences. The winter moved on with leaden feet, according to the ideas of the household, and of Ada more particularly. "This sort of life is really something dreadful!" said that young lady. "If the frost would only break up, it would make something fresh to look at. There is _nothing_ to be done!" "Poor Ada!" responded Olympias, laughing. "Do get some needlework." "I am tired of needlework," answered Ada. "I am tired of everything!" Felicia came in as the words were spoken. "I have permission to tell you something," she said, with a light in her black eyes which Clarice felt sure meant mischief. "The Lady has appealed to the holy Father for a divorce from the Lord Earl." "Will she get it?" asked Olympias. "No doubt of it," replied Felicia dogmatically. "And if so, what will she do then?" asked Ada. "Her pious intention," said Felicia, the black eyes dancing, "is to become a holy Sister of the Order of the blessed Saint Dominic." "Then what is to become of the Lord Earl?" queried Olympias. "I suppose he can marry somebody else. I hope he will." "That is no concern of the Lady's," said Felicia, in a tone of pious severity. "The religious do not trouble their holy repose about externs, except to offer prayers for their salvation." "Why, then, we shall all be turned out!" blankly cried Ada. "What is to become of us all?" "What will become of me is already settled," replied Felicia demurely. "I am about to make profession in the same convent with my mistress." "Thank the saints!" reach
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