interest in life, and nothing could give me more pleasure than to help
one of Austin Bertrand's daughters. Well, my dears, I spoke to your
father: he did not like the idea at first, as you will understand, but
in the end he gave way to my wishes, and it only remained to make my
choice. When I use the word `choice,' you must not imagine that I am
consulting merely my own preference. I have honestly tried to study the
question from an unselfish point of view--to think which of you would
most benefit from the change. One consideration has influenced me of
which I can only speak in private, but for the rest I have watched you
carefully, and it seemed to me that two out of the three have already a
definite interest and occupation in their lives, which is wanting in the
other case. Lettice has no special work in the house, no pet study to
pursue; therefore, my dears, I choose Lettice--"

There was a simultaneous exclamation of consternation.

"Lettice!" cried Hilary, and drew in her breath with a pang of bitterest
disappointment.

"Lettice! Oh, no, no, no!" cried Norah, throwing her arms round her
favourite sister, and trembling with agitation.

"My little Lettice!" echoed Mr Bertrand, with a groan of such genuine
dismay, that Miss Carr stared at him in discomfiture.

"My dear Austin--if it makes you so unhappy--"

"No--no. I gave you my word, and I am not going back. Besides," with a
kindly glance at the other two girls, "I should have felt the same,
whichever way you had decided. Well, that's settled! I am off now,
Helen. We can have our talk later."

He walked hastily out of the room, and Miss Carr turned back to the
girls with a troubled expression.

"My dears, I know you will both feel parting with your sister, but I
will do all I can to soften the blow. You can always look forward to
meeting at Christmas and Midsummer, and I shall ask your father to bring
you up in turns to visit us in London. Though Lettice is to be my
special charge, I take a deep interest in you both, and shall hope to
put many little pleasures in your way. And now, my dears, will you
leave us alone for a time? I want to have a quiet talk with Lettice
before we part."

The two girls filed out of the room, and stood in the hall, facing each
other in silence. Miss Briggs put her head out of the morning-room,
with an eager--"Well--_Who_!" and when Norah pointed dolefully towards
the drawing-room door, disappeared again with an