f the step I am now taking, as much for _your_ sake as for
_mine_. When you have read and carefully pondered over that paper, you
will be convinced that this separation is of necessity."

Clara bowed her head in assent, but did not speak.

"You will also see, Clara," resumed she, "that it is very far from
likely the old relations between us will ever again be resumed. If we
do meet again,--an event that may or may not happen,--it will be as some
distant cousins,--some who have ties of kindred between them, and no
more."

Clara nodded again, but still in silence.

"You see, sir," said Mrs. Morris, turning towards Stocmar, while her
eyes flashed angrily,--"you see, sir, that I am handing over to your
care a model of obedience,--a young lady who has no will save that of
those in authority over her,--not one rebellious sentiment of affection
or attachment in her nature."

"And who will ever strive to preserve your good opinions, sir, by
persevering in this wise course," said Clara, with a modest courtesy.

If any one could have read Mr. Stocmar's heart at that moment, he would
have detected no very benevolent feelings towards either mother or
daughter, while he sincerely deplored his own fate at being in such
company.

"Don't you think, mamma," said the girl, with an easy smile, "that,
considering how recently we have known this gentleman, we have been
sufficiently explicit and candid before him, and that any pretence of
emotion in his presence would be most unbecoming? He will, I am sure,
forgive us the omission. Won't you, sir?"

Stocmar smiled and bowed, and blushed and looked miserable.

"_You_ have been very candid, at all events, Clara," said Mrs.
Morris; "and Mr. Stocmar--or I mistake him much--must have acquired a
considerable insight into the nature of his charge. Sir William expects
to see you at dinner to-day, Clara," added she, in an easier tone. "He
hopes to be well enough to come to table; and as it will be your last
evening here--"

"So it will," said the girl, quickly; "and I must fetch down Beethoven
with me, and play his favorites for him once more."

Mrs. Morris raised her eyebrows with an expressive look at Stocmar, and
led him from the room. Scarcely had the door closed, when the girl threw
herself, half kneeling, on the sofa, and sobbed as if her very heart was
breaking.

CHAPTER XXXVIII. VERY OUTSPOKEN ON THE WORLD AT LARGE

And there came a next morning to all this. Oh, these sa