[8] The idea that Laura Lemark was intended as a sketch of Taglioni, the _danseuse_, is altogether fanciful; except the fact that Taglioni in her old age taught deportment to ladies who desired to be presented at the English court, and that Laura did the same after she had retired, there is no resemblance between them. [9] A tale, or romance. CHAPTER XIV. When I went to the class next time I was very eager to catch Mr. Davy, that I might explain to him where I had been, for I did not like acting without his cognizance. However, he was already down below when I arrived. My fair companions were both in their places, but, to my astonishment, Miss Benette took no notice of me. Her sweet face was as grave as it was before I caught from under those long lashes the azure light upon my own for the first time. Certain that she did not mean to offend me, I got on very well though, and Davy was very much pleased with our success. Little Laura looked very pale; her hair was out of its curl, and altogether she had an appearance as if she had been dragged through a river, lost and forlorn, and scarcely sensible. She sang languidly, but Miss Benette's clinging tones would not suffer me to be aware of any except hers and my own. Davy taught us something about Gregorian chants, and gave us a few to practise, besides a new but extremely simple service of his own. "He wrote that for us, I suppose," I ventured; and Clara nodded seriously, but made no assent in words. Afterwards she seemed to remember me again as her ally; for as Davy wished us his adieu in his wonted free "Good-night!" she spoke to me of her own accord. "I think it was all the better that we practised." "Oh, was it not? Suppose we practise again." "I should like it, if you will come at the same time, and not stay longer; and Laura can come too, can she not?" I did not exactly like this idea, but I could not contradict the calm, mellow voice. "Oh, if she will practise." "Of course she will practise if she comes on purpose." "I don't care about coming!" exclaimed the child, in a low, fretful voice. "I know I sha'n't get out, either." "Yes, you shall; I will coax your papa. Look, Laura! there he is, waiting for you." The child ran off instantly, with an air of fear over all her fatigue, and I felt sure she was not treated like a child; but I said nothing about it then. "Sir," said I to Mr. Davy, "pray walk a little way, for I want to tell you something. My mother particularly requests that you will go to our house to sup with us this evening." "I will accept her kindness with the greatest pleasure, as I happen to be less engaged than usual." Davy never bent his duty to his pleasure,--rather the reverse. "I went to practise with Miss Benette the day before yesterday." "So she told me." "She told you herself?"