She had the gift of eloquence, this woman who so cruelly betrayed her trust. She talked well, and the most subtle and clever of arguments came to her naturally. Her words had with them a charm and force that the young could not resist. Let those who misuse such talents remember they must answer to the Most High God for them. Adelaide Lyster used hers to betray a trust, that ought to have been held most sacred. She cared little how she influenced Marion's mind. She cared little what false notions, what false philosophy, what wrong ideas, she taught her, provided only she could win her interests, her liking and love for Allan. CHAPTER IV. Miss Carleton had been with her young ladies for a promenade--people less elegant would have said for a walk--Miss Carleton rejoiced in long words. "Young ladies, prepare for a promenade," was her daily formula. They had just returned, and Miss Arleigh missed Adelaide Lyster. "Why did not Miss Lyster go out with us today?" she asked of another governess. "She complained of headache, and seemed quite out of spirits," was the reply. Marion hastened to her; she was of a most loving disposition, this motherless girl--tender and kind of heart, and there was no one for her to love--no father, mother, sister or brother; she was very rich, but quite alone in the world. She hastened to Miss Lyster's room, and found that young lady completely prostrated by what she called a nervous headache. "You have been crying, Adelaide," said Marion. "It's no use either denying it or turning your head so that I cannot see you. What is the matter?" "I wish you had not come here, Marion. I did not want you to know my trouble." "But I must know it," and the girl's arms were clasped around her. She stooped down and kissed the treacherous face. "I must know it," she continued, impetuously; "when I say must, Adelaide, I mean it." "I dare not tell you--I cannot tell you, Miss Arleigh. It would have been well for my brother had he never seen your face." "You have heard from him, then--it is about him?" and the fair face flushed. "Yes, it is about him. I have had a letter from him this morning. He says that he must give up his appointment here and go abroad--that he cannot bear the torture of seeing you; and if he does go abroad, I shall never see him again." The lips that had been caressing her quivered slightly. "He is all I have in the world," continued the governess; "the only gleam of light or love in my troubled life. Oh, Marion! if he goes from me--goes to hide his sorrow and his love where I shall never see him again--what will become of me? I am in despair. The very thought of it breaks my heart." And Miss Lyster sobbed as though she meant every word of it. The heiress bent over her. "What can I do to help you? I am so sorry, Adelaide." "There is only one thing you could do," replied the other, "and I dare not even mention it. My brother must die. Oh, fatal hour in which he ever saw the beauty of that face!"