But oh! how bad, and wicked, and ashamed, and repentant, and conscience-smitten I did feel. It was dreadful only to think of it, for months after. It seemed so horrible to me, how that I had rested my head against the buttons of that shockingly low wretch of a policeman's coat and not known the difference; while what Achille would have thought had he but known, I could not--nay I dare not--think. Then there was that Clara looking at me with such a dreadful mocking smile, that I felt as if I could have turned her into stone--for she was oozing all over with triumph; and yet all the time I was so angry with myself, for I knew that I was completely in her power, as well as in that of the constable--a low wretch!--who might say anything, and perhaps tell the servants. And, by the way, who was Ann, that he had asked me about? "Why," I exclaimed, trembling, "it must be Sarah Ann, the housemaid; and I shall never dare to look her in the face again. Oh, Laura Bozerne," I said, "how you have lowered yourself!" I had a quiet cry, and was a little better. But I felt very guilty when I went down, and every time I was addressed I gave quite a start, and stared as if expecting that whoever spoke knew my secret; while during lessons, when a message came from Mrs Blunt that she wanted to see me in the study, I felt as if I should have gone through the floor; and on turning my eyes to Clara, expecting sympathy, there she was actually laughing at me. "If this is being in love," I said to myself, "I mean very soon to be out of it again;" and then I stood trembling and hesitating, afraid to stir. "Did you hear the lady principal's summons, Miss Bozerne?" said that starchy Miss Furness, in her most dignified style. I turned round, and made her a most elaborate De Kittville obeisance, and I saw the old frump toss her head; for I know she always hated me because I happened to be nice-looking--mind, I don't say I was nice-looking, for I am merely writing down now what people said who were foolish enough to think so. Achille once said I was--but there, I will not be vain.