The nurse took out her spectacles. “Six per cent., guaranteed,” she read; “and the Directors have every reason to believe that ten per cent., or more, will be ultimately realised to the shareholders by the hotel.” “Put me into that, Master Henry! And, wherever you go, for Heaven’s sake recommend the hotel to your friends!” So the nurse, following Henry’s mercenary example, had _her_ pecuniary interest, too, in the house in which Lord Montbarry had died. Three days passed before Henry was able to visit Agnes again. In that time, the little cloud between them had entirely passed away. Agnes received him with even more than her customary kindness. She was in better spirits than usual. Her letter to Mrs. Stephen Westwick had been answered by return of post; and her proposal had been joyfully accepted, with one modification. She was to visit the Westwicks for a month—and, if she really liked teaching the children, she was then to be governess, aunt, and cousin, all in one—and was only to go away in an event which her friends in Ireland persisted in contemplating, the event of her marriage. “You see I was right,” she said to Henry. He was still incredulous. “Are you really going?” he asked. “I am going next week.” “When shall I see you again?” “You know you are always welcome at your brother’s house. You can see me when you like.” She held out her hand. “Pardon me for leaving you—I am beginning to pack up already.” Henry tried to kiss her at parting. She drew back directly. “Why not? I am your cousin,” he said. “I don’t like it,” she answered. Henry looked at her, and submitted. Her refusal to grant him his privilege as a cousin was a good sign—it was indirectly an act of encouragement to him in the character of her lover. On the first day in the new week, Agnes left London on her way to Ireland. As the event proved, this was not destined to be the end of her journey. The way to Ireland was only the first stage on a roundabout road—the road that led to the palace at Venice. THE THIRD PART CHAPTER XIII In the spring of the year 1861, Agnes was established at the country-seat of her two friends—now promoted (on the death of the first lord, without offspring) to be the new Lord and Lady Montbarry. The old nurse was not separated from her mistress. A place, suited to her time of life, had been found for her in the pleasant Irish household. She was perfectly happy in her new sphere; and she spent her first half-year’s dividend from the Venice Hotel Company, with characteristic prodigality, in presents for the children.