"You are a teacher; perhaps you would call them interesting. For me they are just a trifle instructive! I want to hear about himself, and he describes the country, and the expeditions they make. Don't please think they are love-letters, Therese. They are very, very proper, not in the least affectionate, and my replies are terribly dull. You see I'm in an awkward position, for everything that would be interesting it would not be proper to say, and everything I can say must be uninteresting, for he knows almost nothing of us or of our people." "And yet you are compelled to answer these `instructive epistles' the moment they arrive, and he cannot wait patiently to receive your so dull replies. That has only one meaning, my dear, and it will come when he returns home in a few years, and your children are grown up and able to be left. It will come. I am sure it will come!" "If it is the right thing for me--if it is God's will--yes! it will come, and meanwhile I am very happy. It is good of Him to have given me such a hope in my life," said Bridgie simply; and Mademoiselle's eyes dimmed with sudden tears. Her own nervous, restless spirit was for ever kicking against the pricks, but she was at least honest enough to acknowledge her shortcomings, and the example of this young girl filled her with shame and a humble desire to follow in her footsteps. "And I am thankful that He has let me know you. You do me good, _cherie_. I wish to be more like you," she said humbly; and Bridgie opened her great eyes in bewilderment. "Like me!" she echoed incredulously. "My dear!" The dimple dipped again, and she slipped her hand through Mademoiselle's arm and shook her in playful remonstrance. "Don't you make fun of your hostess, or she'll starve you for your pains. The very idea of clever, accomplished You wanting to be like blundering Irish Me!" CHAPTER TWENTY TWO. "TO SEE THE RUINS!"