the fulfilment of our wishes in this world. In all things
it may be said, 'we look through a glass darkly.' But no more on this
head: you have reason, and you must exert it. Be assured of one thing,
we are often wisely disappointed in our plans of happiness; if we attain
our wishes, we must not expect to be wholly free from care."

"I have promised to spend a few days with Colonel Vincent's family. You
shall go with me to town on Thursday."

"But, my dear mother, you know--"

"I understand you," said Mrs. Adair. "I do not mean that you shall be
their visitor; I have another plan in view. I know that Miss Damer is
very uncomfortably situated at home, therefore you can call for her, to
spend the time here whilst I am absent."

The morning Mrs. Adair and her daughter arrived in London, Elizabeth sat
a few minutes with Mrs. Vincent, and then proceeded to B---- Square,
where Mr. Damer resided. As she entered the house she beheld all things
in confusion; men were employed in packing up china and chandeliers;
straw and cord were strewed over the hall floor; and people were running
in every direction, carrying trunks, chairs and sofas. Elizabeth
inquired for Miss Damer: and was answered by a footman in a very surly
tone, that "he knew nothing of her." An elderly, respectable looking
female now stepped forward, and begged Elizabeth would follow her. They
passed through two empty apartments, and she then gently opened a door
into a room which was little more than a closet, the light issuing from
a small casement. A band-box, a bookshelf, and a trunk, upon which Miss
Damer was seated, close to a grate, containing the dying embers of a
fire, were all that Elizabeth could discern. Her pupil started from her
seat, with eyes red with weeping, and in a confused tone exclaimed,
"Miss Adair here!"

"I am here, indeed," said Elizabeth; "and I hope I am come to a good
purpose. But what has caused this strange confusion? But I beg your
pardon," perceiving the distress of her pupil, "I was not aware of what
I was saying. You must come with me; I came hither on purpose for you."

"Then you have heard of our troubles, ma'am?"

"I see them all. But we have not a moment to spare." Guided by the
impulse of the moment, Elizabeth dropped upon one knee, opened the
band-box, took out a bonnet, and then searched the trunk for a pelisse.
Miss Damer looked down upon her dress--

"Never mind your morning dress, my dear: this will cover all," sai