solate humour that night in Miss Frank-land's room;
but that charming and estimable woman cheered us up with the hope that
if a temporary separation did occur, it would only lead to our safer
and more perfect reunion hereafter.

"And, to tell you the truth," she said, "my dear Charlie, we have been
of late too much for you, and your health and constitution will benefit
by a forced inactivity, for I have observed some symptoms about you
lately that prove we three have taxed you too hard. I have no doubt I
shall be retained as governess to your sisters, and leave me alone to
keep them to a point that will not disappoint you when we meet again,
which must always occur at intervals of not longer than six months."

To our loving minds six months seemed an age. At the same time Miss
F.'s remarks had, to a certain extent, reassured us, and although we
could not enter into our orgie with the usual fury and letch,
nevertheless we managed to pass a night sufficiently rapturous in the
enjoyment of our libidinous passions, which many would have thought
excessive.

In due course Mr. Nixon made his appearance. He was a pleasant-looking
elderly gentleman, and a complete man of the world. Finding that I had
been educated entirely at home under governesses, he fancied I must be
a milk-and-watery ignorant youth, and had already hinted as much to
mamma--who, having told me, put me on my mettle. Mr. Nixon sent for me
into the parlour alone, and began an agreeable conversation apparently
leading to nothing, probably with a view not to render me nervous and
timid, gradually turning the conversation upon educational subjects. He
was agreeably surprised to find the progress I had made, not only in
historical and geographical subjects, but in languages, and above all
was surprised at my knowledge of Latin and Greek. He was particular in
asking if some clergyman had not lent his aid to the governess. After
dinner, during which he paid great attention to Miss Frankland, he
warmly complimented her on her system of teaching and its extraordinary
success. At the same time he observed that, as his dear old friend had
desired that his nephew should become a barrister, it would be
necessary he should be sent to some clergyman taking a few boys, and
then to King's College, London, before entering a barrister's chambers.
Miss Frankland at once admitted the justice of the remark, and hoped
that Charles would not shame her teaching.

"Quite the contrar