-that she
should be unhappy without her, while she promised that she would "be
good" and attentive to her lessons; that she would even "try real hard"
to learn the multiplication table, which had hitherto been a sharp thorn
in the flesh, and a bone of contention between herself and her former
governesses.

Mr. Lawrence was very much pleased to observe how readily Violet
appeared to acquire an influence over the willful, headstrong girl, who
had in every previous instance rebelled against the engagement of a
governess, and he felt that he would be very fortunate in securing her
services.

"I am exceedingly gratified that you are willing to undertake the
charge," he said, gratefully.

"I almost wonder at your willingness to trust her to me," Violet
answered, smiling, yet her lips quivered slightly, for it seemed like a
very sacred charge to her.

"On account of youth and inexperience, I suppose," he returned; then
added, reassuringly: "But, as I said before, I believe that will be in
your favor, although I warn you that you will have to exercise firmness
and judgment at all times. But when can you come to us, Miss
Huntington?"

"Whenever you wish," she replied.

"At once?--to-morrow?"

"Yes, sir; I have but to give up my lodgings and have my trunk removed."

"That will be perfectly delightful, papa," Bertha exclaimed, eagerly,
"and you will sing and play to me; you will amuse me every day, will you
not, Miss Huntington?"

"Yes, to a reasonable extent; but, in return, you will try faithfully to
learn all that I wish to teach you?" stipulated Violet.

"Yes, I will try," the child said, earnestly, as she again pressed her
lips to Violet's hand.

"Now, my pet, you will have to excuse us," said Mr. Lawrence, rising. "I
have a few more arrangements to make with Miss Huntington, and we must
not detain her longer."

"I wish you did not need to go at all," Bertha said, wistfully.

"Perhaps you will be wishing to send me away before a great while,"
Violet remarked, with a quiet laugh.

"No, indeed; I am sure I shall never want to give you up," persisted the
child, confidently.

Violet bent to kiss the sweet face upraised to hers, and then followed
Mr. Lawrence from the room, having first promised to "come early
to-morrow."

CHAPTER XXII.

VIOLET AND HER UNRULY PUPIL.

Mr. Lawrence led Violet back to the reception-room below, remarking, as
he courteously rolled a chair forward for her:

"I cannot