subject, as long as he is under your care. I know that he cannot fail to
do well."

We all like flattery, and the learned principal was not proof against
it.

"Ahem! Mrs. Thorne," he said, pompously, "we try to do our duty by the
young people intrusted to our charge. We do not limit our endeavors to
their mental culture, but strive to promote their physical well-being
also."

"And you succeed remarkably well, Dr. Benton. But you must excuse my
leaving you abruptly. I wish to catch the next train."

"I hope we shall see you again soon, madam," said the doctor, politely.

"I shall endeavor to call again before many weeks, Dr. Benton.
Good-morning."

"Good-morning, madam."

Mrs. Thorne adjusted her veil and swiftly resumed her course. Her heart
gave a bound when, just outside the gate, she espied the well-known
figure of Jasper Kent.

"I hope he won't recognize me," she thought

But she forgot her peculiar gait, and the quick, rapid step, which were
likely to identify her in the eyes of anyone who had seen her often.
Jasper Kent's attention was drawn to her, and he observed these
peculiarities.

"By Jove!" he said to himself, "she walks just like the governess."

Still, having no reason to suspect the presence of Miss Thorne, as he
called her, at the school, he would have thought the resemblance only
accidental, but for a whiff of wind which blew the veil aside from her
face. That face there was no mistaking.

"Miss Thorne!" he exclaimed, in surprise, advancing to meet her.

She was exceedingly vexed, but it would not do to betray it.

"Jasper!" she said, with a smile. "You didn't expect to see me here?"

"No; did you come to see me? Is my father unwell?" he asked, anxiously.

"Your father is quite well."

"Then--"

"Why have I come? I see that is what you wish to ask. I have not come on
your account at all. I came to see a nephew of my own."

"At this school?"

"Yes."

"You must mean Nicholas Thorne."

"Yes; do you know him?"

"A little," said Jasper, with reserve.

"Poor fellow! He has neither father nor mother to look after him, only
myself. I am his only relative living."

"I never heard you speak of him before."

"No; I have not cared to intrude my private concerns upon your father or
yourself. But I must hurry, or I shall be late at the station. Have you
any message to send to your father?"

"Give him my love, and tell him to take care of his health for my sake."

"I hope he wi