"O, sir! I am glad to see you. I have looked around so often; hoping to catch sight of you. Mrs. Murray, I heard Mrs. Inge asking for you." When the lady walked away, Edna glided into the seat next the minister, and continued: "I want to talk to you about a change in some of my studies." "Wait till to-morrow, my dear. I came here to-night only for a few moments, to gratify Gordon and now I must slip away." "But, sir, I only want to say, that as you objected at the outset to my studying Hebrew, I will not waste any more time on it just now, but take it up again after a while, when I have plenty of leisure. Don't you think that would be the best plan?" "My child, are you tired of Hebrew?" "No, sir; on the contrary, it possesses a singular fascination for me; but I think, if you are willing, I shall discontinue it--at least, for the present. I shall take care to forget nothing that I have already learned." "You have some special reason for this change, I presume?" She raised her eyes to his, and said frankly: "Yes, sir, I have." "Very well, my dear, do as you like. Good-night." "I wish I could go now with you." "Why? I thought you appeared to enjoy your dance very much. Edna, look at me." She hesitated--then obeyed him, and he saw tears glistening on her long lashes. Very quietly the old man drew her arm through his, and led her out on the dim veranda, where only an occasional couple promenaded. "Something troubles you, Edna. Will you confide in me?" "I feel as if I were occupying a false position here, and yet I do not see how I can extricate myself without displeasing Mrs. Murray, whom I can not bear to offend--she is so very kind and generous." "Explain yourself, my dear." "You know that I have not a cent in the world except what Mrs. Murray gives me. I shall have to make my bread by my own work just as soon as you think me competent to teach; and notwithstanding, she thinks I ought to visit and associate as she does with these people, who tolerate me now, simply because they know that while I am under her roof she will exact it of them. To-night, during the dance, I heard two of her fashionable friends criticising and sneering at me; ridiculing her for 'attempting to smuggle that spoiled creature of unknown parentage and doubtless low origin into really first circles.' Other things were said which I can not repeat, that showed me plainly how I am regarded here, and I will not remain in a position which subjects me to such remarks. Mrs. Murray thought it best for me to come; but it was a mistaken kindness. I thought so before I came--now I have irrefragable proof that I was right in my forebodings." "Can you not tell me all that was said?" "I shrink, sir, from repeating it, even to you." "Did Mr. Leigh hear it?" "I hope not."