stung me, and gave, I presume, the favorable turn to my
destiny, for I felt the power to undertake a task which I would before
have shrunk from.

"I will do my duty in all cases to the best of my ability, madame!" was
my brief reply.

"Ah, you do not comprehend, Madame," said Monsieur Pilot, coming briskly
to the rescue. "This is a surprise to Mees Reef. My very good friend
Monsieur Bristeed has not apprised the young lady of his bounty. I have
his commission to purchase for her this establishment, which he is aware
you desire to dispose of, Madame. His recommendation of the young lady is
surely sufficient."

"The whole establishment?" I asked, with an effort at composure.

"Yes," replied Madame. "I am obliged to start for the West Indies, and
must dispose of all. The present instructors are thoroughly competent for
their various positions; they merely need a supervisor. You appear young,
but I presume experience has fitted you for the office."

"Eminently so, eminently," answered Monsieur Pilot promptly, as if he had
been guardian of my reputation for years. "We will consider the
arrangements as complete, my clear Madame. I will call tomorrow and close
the transaction. _Bon jour_, Madame."

And with rapid strides he hurried me away.

CHAPTER X.

The school became mine. By vigilance and perseverance, I not only
retained the pupils Madame had transmitted to my care, but added many
thereto.

Monsieur Pilot, lively and friendly, visited me frequently. I liked the
little Frenchman; his gaiety served to divert my mind from reflections on
the past, which like spectres would sometimes stalk grimly before me when
unoccupied, I sought the quiet of my own chamber.

With my increasing success, my pupils' interest fully occupied every
moment of my time. Meantime, not a line or word reached me from Bristed
Hall. Upon my installment as proprietor of Madame's seminary, I had
written to Mr. Bristed, thanking him for his kindness, and informing him
that I should take measures to repay the expenditures he had incurred in
my behalf, by placing quarterly in the hands of Monsieur Pilot a sum such
as I could spare from my income, by means of which I hoped in time to
repay my external indebtedness.

The only reply I received to this letter was a peremptory refusal, sent
through Monsieur Pilot, to accept any return.

I had been more than a year in my new home. Constant employment had
developed my mind, and I flattered m