"Pride, pride, will that ever be uppermost? But do not fear me, I always finish one thing at a time, so that I shall not be long about my business. Let me see; what is the list of your acquirements--sound English education, music, singing, French, a little German, a little Italian, and a little Latin. Umph! I think that will do--good-bye." So saying, he glided from the room, with noiseless tread. Mabel retired soon after to her own room, where she employed herself till dinner time, in writing letters to many of her friends, and particularly to her old school-fellow, expressing her regret at not being able to go to her, as she had hoped, without a salary--finding it necessary to maintain herself entirely. This occupation did much to restore her self-possession, by the time when it was necessary for her to appear at dinner. But there was so much restraint thrown over the little party, by the remembrance of the scene of the afternoon, that the usually social meal passed in dulness and silence; when, however, they all went to the drawing-room, to amuse themselves for the evening, the spirits of the sisters rose, even to more oppressive gaiety--though Lucy sat apart from them in silence, perplexed and troubled. Caroline had seated herself near the window, in order that she might display, with greater advantage, a portfolio of her own drawings, to Hargrave. They were very neatly executed, and the copy was as like the original as might be, yet Mabel could scarcely think them worth the high encomiums which he bestowed upon them, while Caroline blushed and evaded his compliments, though evidently gratified all the while, and willing to receive as many more as he chose to cater for her. "I wish," thought Mabel, "that they would not laugh quite so loud, my spirits are out of tune to-night." Just then she heard Caroline whisper something to Hargrave, as she leant forward, over the little table which parted them, so far, that a curl of her silken hair touched his cheek. Her sensitive ear caught the word, "governess," slightingly spoken, while Hargrave only replied by a shrug, and a slight elevation of his eyebrows; and when Caroline whispered something, with a still more provoking expression, he actually laughed aloud. Mabel was conscious that she was turning giddy, and she rose with the intention of leaving the room, when the door opened, and Mr. Morley beckoned her to come to him. "Have you thought it over," he said, when she came to him, in the passage. "Oh, yes," she replied eagerly; "and I have written to several friends." "Right, never depend on any but yourself. As it happens, however, I have heard of something. Put on your bonnet, and come out with me." Without remaining to ask any questions, she did as he desired, and was soon walking by his side, along the lighted streets. "Not very pleasant, there, eh?" he enquired, elevating his eyebrows, to designate the house they had left.