proposals to the Assistant, in whom she
had the highest ground for feeling confidence. He was to conduct the
business of the school with herself. He was to work with her in it, as
if it was his own; and after her death, as her heir, to enter upon it as
sole proprietor.

The principal thing now seemed to be, that he should find a wife who
would cooperate with him. Ottilie was secretly before his eyes and
before his heart. A number of difficulties suggested themselves, and yet
again there were favorable circumstances on the other side to
counterbalance them. Luciana had left the school; Ottilie could
therefore return with the less difficulty. Of the affair with Edward,
some little had transpired. It passed, however, as many such things do,
as a matter of indifference, and this very circumstance might make it
desirable that she should leave the castle. And yet, perhaps, no
decision would have been arrived at, no step would have been taken, had
not an unexpected visit given a special impulse to his hesitation. The
appearance of remarkable people, in any and every circle, can never be
without its effects.

The Count and the Baroness, who often found themselves asked for their
opinion, almost every one being in difficulty about the education of
their children, as to the value of the various schools, had found it
desirable to make themselves particularly acquainted with this one,
which was generally so well spoken of; and under their present
circumstances, they were more easily able to carry on these inquiries in
company.

The Baroness, however, had something else in view as well. While she was
last at the castle, she had talked over with Charlotte the whole affair
of Edward and Ottilie. She had insisted again and again that Ottilie
must be sent away. She tried every means to encourage Charlotte to do
it, and to keep her from being frightened by Edward's threats. Several
modes of escape from the difficulty were suggested. Accidentally the
school was mentioned, and the Assistant and his incipient passion,
which made the Baroness more resolved than ever to pay her intended
visit there.

She went; she made acquaintance with the Assistant; looked over the
establishment, and spoke of Ottilie. The Count also spoke with much
interest of her, having in his recent visit learnt to know her better.
She had been drawn toward him; indeed, she had felt attracted by him;
believing that she could see, that she could perceive in his soli