out into the grounds a short time after, intending to join Mr.
Harrington again, a curve in the path gave me a view of her window--and
there she stood, looking out so wistfully. Determined to force her
jealousy to the utmost, I hurried up to Mr. James Harrington, and began
to consult him regarding my pupil's exercise and lessons, the only
subject I really believe that he could have been induced to speak about,
for he seemed terribly depressed."

"And she stood watching you all the time?"

"No, not all the time; for, when in the eagerness of my
subject--remember I am deeply interested in Lina's progress--I reached
my hand towards Mr. Harrington's arm, not touching it, though it must
have appeared so from the distance, she disappeared from the window, as
if a ball had struck her; and I took a short cut through the
shrubberies, quite satisfied with the information those two pretty roses
had won for us. Now, say if I have been altogether blind or inert?"

"Indeed, I was unjust to think it; this is an important point gained.
There is no doubt that the feelings so vividly recorded in that journal
exist yet; this knowledge opens everything to us."

"Then I have done pretty well for a blind girl," persisted Agnes, with a
touch of sarcasm in her voice; "give me, at least, that praise."

"With one exception, child, you have done well in everything."

"And that exception--I know what you mean, but where Ralph Harrington is
concerned, I will not be controlled."

"No one wishes to control you, foolish girl. Be obedient and adroit as
you have been, and this blue-eyed girl shall be swept from your path
like thistle downs."

"Ah, do this, and I am twice your slave!" cried Agnes, with an impulse
of genuine feeling, flinging her arms around the elder woman.

"And you love him so much!" said the woman, returning her caress with a
touch of sympathy--"well, child, well--since the reading of that book I
have thought better of it. It may be, that your silly caprice for this
boy can be indulged without interfering with more important objects.
This first love is--well, well, no matter what it is, I would rather not
turn it to gall in the bosom of a young girl. So trust me, Agnes, and be
faithful."

"I will!"

"Now, listen, child. Have you settled about the old servants?"

"Indeed I have. The cook is away already--the chambermaid discontented
and going to-morrow. As for that uncouth boatman and factotum, I find
him hard to manage