Francine’s interest in the influence of different atmospheres on health was not exhausted yet. “Do you know where the girls lived when they were at home?” she inquired. “I know where one of them lived. She was the best pupil I ever had--and I remember she lived in Yorkshire.” He was so weary of the idle curiosity--as it appeared to him--which persisted in asking trifling questions, that he left his seat, and crossed the room. “May I look at your books?” he repeated. “Oh, yes!” The conversation was suspended for a while. The lady thought, “I should like to box his ears!” The gentleman thought, “She’s only an inquisitive fool after all!” His examination of her books confirmed him in the delusion that there was really nothing in Francine’s character which rendered it necessary to caution Emily against the advances of her new friend. Turning away from the book-case, he made the first excuse that occurred to him for putting an end to the interview. “I must beg you to let me return to my duties, Miss de Sor. I have to correct the young ladies’ drawings, before they begin again to-morrow.” Francine’s wounded vanity made a last expiring attempt to steal the heart of Emily’s lover. “You remind me that I have a favor to ask,” she said. “I don’t attend the other classes--but I should so like to join _your_ class! May I?” She looked up at him with a languishing appearance of entreaty which sorely tried Alban’s capacity to keep his face in serious order. He acknowledged the compliment paid to him in studiously commonplace terms, and got a little nearer to the open window. Francine’s obstinacy was not conquered yet. “My education has been sadly neglected,” she continued; “but I have had some little instruction in drawing. You will not find me so ignorant as some of the other girls.” She waited a little, anticipating a few complimentary words. Alban waited also--in silence. “I shall look forward with pleasure to my lessons under such an artist as yourself,” she went on, and waited again, and was disappointed again. “Perhaps,” she resumed, “I may become your favorite pupil--Who knows?” “Who indeed!” It was not much to say, when he spoke at last--but it was enough to encourage Francine. She called him “dear Mr. Morris”; she pleaded for permission to take her first lesson immediately; she clasped her hands--“Please say Yes!” “I can’t say Yes, till you have complied with the rules.” “Are they _your_ rules?” Her eyes expressed the readiest submission--in that case. He entirely failed to see it: he said they were Miss Ladd’s rules--and wished her good-evening. She watched him, walking away down the terrace. How was he paid? Did he receive a yearly salary, or did he get a little extra money for each new pupil who took drawing lessons? In this last case, Francine saw her opportunity of being even with him “You brute! Catch me attending your class!” CHAPTER XXXIII. RECOLLECTIONS OF ST. DOMINGO.