ever lodged there, and to
whom she acted as a mother!'

'It was not their fault that she did not act as a mother-in-law. Edna
has told me of the unpleasantness of being at home on account of the
young men.'

'Exactly! I was spared none of the chances she might have had, but the
only thing worthy of note was about a cashier who surreptitiously brought
a friend from the "hopera," to overhear her singing hymns on the Sunday
evening, and thus led to an offer on his part to have her brought out on
the stage.'

'Ha! could that have come to anything?'

'No. Mrs. Murrell's suspicions took that direction, and we hunted down
the cashier and the friend, but they were quite exonerated. It only
proves that her voice has an unfortunate value.'

'If she be gone off with the Italian bass, I can't say I think it a fatal
sign that she was slow to present him to her domestic Mause Headrigg, who
no doubt would deliberately prefer the boards of her coffin to the boards
of the theatre. Well, come along--we will get a letter from Charles, and
rescue her--I mean, clear her.'

'Won't you look into school, and see how we go on? The women complained
so much of having their children on their hands, though I am sure they
had sent them to school seldom enough of late, that I got this young
woman from Mrs. Stuart's asylum till the holidays. I think we shall let
her stay on, she has a good deal of method, and all seem pleased with the
change.'

'You have your wish of a fright. No, I thank you! I'm not so glad as
the rest of you to get rid of refinement and superiority.'

There was no answer, and more touched by silence than reply, she hastily
said, 'Never mind! I dare say she may do better for the children, but
you know, I, who am hard of caring for any one, did care for poor Edna,
and I can't stand paeans over your new broom.'

Mr. Prendergast gave a smile such as was only evoked by his late rector's
little daughter, and answered, 'No one can be more concerned than I. She
was not in her place here, that was certain, and I ought to have minded
that she was not thrust into temptation. I shall remember it with shame
to my dying day.'

'Which means to say that so should I.'

'No, you did not know so much of the evils of the world.'

'I told you before, Mr. Pendy, that I am twenty times more sophisticated
than you are. You talk of knowing the world! I wish I didn't. I'm
tired of everybody.'

And on the way home she describ