never forgive myself. Never! For I can never say
that I didn't suspect myself of being unfit. It will break my heart. I
have been so proud to think that I had never failed any one who trusted
me. And now a poor motherless girl, who was to be my especial care, who
had no one but me to care for her--Oh, Judith, what has become of her?"

There was silence for a minute. How could Judith answer her?

"I can never say I didn't doubt myself; but it was only a doubt. And how
could I give up with so many depending on me?"

"Wait till we know something more," Judith pleaded. "Wait till we hear
what Mr. Nash says in answer to your message. I am sure you have tried to
act for the best."

"I shall never hold up my head again," said Miss Crawford, and laid it
feebly down as if she were tired out.

The telegram came. Emmeline had not been heard of, and Mr. Nash would be
at Brenthill that afternoon.

Judith searched the little room which the school-girl had occupied, but no
indication of her intention to fly was to be found. She dared not question
the servants before Mr. Nash's arrival. Secrecy might be important, and
there would be an end to all hope of secrecy if once suspicion were
aroused.

"There's nothing to do but to wait," she said, coming down to Miss
Crawford. "I think, if you don't mind, I'll go home for an hour or so."

"No, no, no! don't go!"

"I must," said Judith. "I shall not be long."

"You will."

"No. An hour and a half--two hours at the utmost."

"Oh, I understand," said Miss Crawford. "You will never come back."

"Never come back? I will promise you, if you like, that I will be here
again by half-past two--that is, if I go now."

"Oh, of course I can't keep you: if you will go, you will. But I think it
is very cruel of you. You will leave me to face Mr. Nash alone."

"Indeed I will not," the girl replied.

"And, after all, it is not half so bad for you as for me. He can't blame
you. It will kill me, I think, but he can't say anything to you. Oh,
Judith, I'm only a stupid old woman, but I have meant to be kind to you."

"No one could have been kinder," said Judith. "Miss Crawford, whatever
happens, believe me I am grateful."

"Then you will stop--you will stop? He can't say anything to you, my
dear."

Judith was cold with terror at the thought of what Mr. Nash might have to
say to her. At the same moment she was burning with anxiety to get to
Bellevue street and find some letter from Bertie. S