th Mr. and Mrs. Leighton. Mr. Leighton replied
briefly by saying, 'Willie is at present in England.' Later in the
evening, when the gentlemen had gone out, Mrs. Leighton said to me,--'As
you are an old friend, Mrs. Harringford, I will explain to you the cause
of Willie's absence. You doubtless remember Clara Roscom who was a
former pupil of yours. After you left Philadelphia, she completed her
education at a distant boarding school, and soon after her return home I
engaged her as governess in my family. We soon learned to love and
respect Miss Roscom, on account of her many excellent qualities, and we
treated her very kindly. She left us to attend to her mother during the
illness which terminated in her death, and after that event she again
returned to us. But, to tell you all in a few words, Willie fell in love
with her, and asked her to become his wife. When I first learned the
fact I suppose I made use of some rather strong language to Miss Roscom,
so much so that she left my house that very night. She remained for a
short time with a Mrs. Burnside, who resides in the city and then left
Philadelphia, and we have never since been able to gain any knowledge of
her residence. If Mrs. Burnside knows anything of her she gives no
information upon the subject. I have no doubt that she is governed by
Miss Roscom's direction, for she possessed a proud spirit. I regret some
things I said to her, but the thought of Willie, our pride, uniting
himself by marriage to our governess put me almost beside myself with
indignation. But Willie was so blinded by his love for her that all
considerations of family or wealth were as nothing to him. When he
learned that Miss Roscom had left the city, and he found himself unable
to learn anything of her, he became embittered towards us all. He soon
after declared his intention of returning to England; but what grieves
me most of all is, that he will hold no correspondence with us since
leaving home. He has now been ten months absent. We have written to him
again and again, but have received no reply.' As she concluded, Mrs.
Leighton burst into a flood of tears, which, for some time, she was
unable to check. You may believe me, Clara, when I tell you that you are
happier today, while attending to the duties of your school, than is
Mrs. Leighton, in her luxurious home."

Such was, in substance, the information which Mrs. Harringford's letter
afforded me. I almost regretted having sought the infor