only appeal to her own management of Thérèse as a proof of how easy a matter it is to make a valuable friend out of a hired attendant. “O yes! by taking the trouble of educating her, no doubt. But that is a task I could not submit to. That reminds me—how does Thérèse get on with politics? I remember her one day, so eloquent about the revolution her father remembers, and the prospect of another revolution, and the glory of having seen Lafayette.” “She knows more than she would probably have learned in the very heart of Paris. She has left off assuring me that all the kings of France have been royalists.” “I suppose it is for the sake of keeping her innocent of some things which lady’s maids learn soon enough that you let her read and talk politics as she does?” “Partly; and partly with a more direct view to my own interest. It will be of very great consequence to me that she should be, not only pure in her conduct, but well educated up to as high a point as I can carry her.” “Ah! you mean for the sake of your little heir. I see Thérèse is as busy about the preparations as if she had taken her office upon her already. But you began your care of Thérèse from the day you knew her, she tells me.” “I did; and so I should do still, if there were no heir in prospect. Should I be justified, think you, in placing any one where I myself order the circumstances which are to form her character, and at the same time neglecting to order those circumstances well?—It is perfectly true that, in engaging servants, we undertake a great task. In the case of Thérèse, however, the task has been all pleasure.” “Well, for your reward, I suppose you will keep her always. You will not let her marry, I conclude; or, if she marries, will insist on her remaining with you. It would be too hard to lose all your pains.” “Whenever Thérèse loves,—and I think I can trust her to commit no folly with that sound heart of hers,—she shall marry; and she shall enter upon her new state as I entered upon mine, with the view of being all and doing all for society of which that state admits. This may best be done by being wholly her husband’s, and a fixture in his home. I shall surrender my part in her on her marriage day.” “By which, I suppose, you hope to retain at least half her heart, if none of her services. But, my dear, what a prospect for you!” “A goodly prospect indeed, either way. Either a friend at hand, and a fit guardian of my children in my absence; or a successful experiment in happiness-making, ever before my eyes. I hope ever to rejoice in Thérèse.” Lady Frances sighed, and began to ponder whether, even if she could learn to live without Philips, she could make to herself a maid in whom she might rejoice.