“Ah, you do not comprehend, Madame,” said Monsieur Pilot, coming briskly to the rescue. “This is a surprise to Mees Reef. My very good friend Monsieur Bristeed has not apprised the young lady of his bounty. I have his commission to purchase for her this establishment, which he is aware you desire to dispose of, Madame. His recommendation of the young lady is surely sufficient.” “The whole establishment?” I asked, with an effort at composure. “Yes,” replied Madame. “I am obliged to start for the West Indies, and must dispose of all. The present instructors are thoroughly competent for their various positions; they merely need a supervisor. You appear young, but I presume experience has fitted you for the office.” “Eminently so, eminently,” answered Monsieur Pilot promptly, as if he had been guardian of my reputation for years. “We will consider the arrangements as complete, my clear Madame. I will call tomorrow and close the transaction. _Bon jour_, Madame.” And with rapid strides he hurried me away. CHAPTER X. The school became mine. By vigilance and perseverance, I not only retained the pupils Madame had transmitted to my care, but added many thereto. Monsieur Pilot, lively and friendly, visited me frequently. I liked the little Frenchman; his gaiety served to divert my mind from reflections on the past, which like spectres would sometimes stalk grimly before me when unoccupied, I sought the quiet of my own chamber. With my increasing success, my pupils’ interest fully occupied every moment of my time. Meantime, not a line or word reached me from Bristed Hall. Upon my installment as proprietor of Madame’s seminary, I had written to Mr. Bristed, thanking him for his kindness, and informing him that I should take measures to repay the expenditures he had incurred in my behalf, by placing quarterly in the hands of Monsieur Pilot a sum such as I could spare from my income, by means of which I hoped in time to repay my external indebtedness. The only reply I received to this letter was a peremptory refusal, sent through Monsieur Pilot, to accept any return. I had been more than a year in my new home. Constant employment had developed my mind, and I flattered myself on having acquired a wisdom and sedateness such as ten years of quiet experience could not have given me. But of this I was lamentably mistaken. Of my silly yielding to circumstances which follow, the reader must not judge too harshly. I was still but an immature woman, not yet twenty; the glamour of youth still hung over me. I craved human love, and took the first that presented itself, just as any other ardent, imaginative girl in my place would have done.