"You would not comprehend my views if I expressed them, my love; your life is young, and at present my remarks would be mysteries to your innocent mind. The world will gradually enlighten you to evil, when your part is to be played upon its stage: till then, remain untainted and happy. But when you enter upon its cares, bear in mind the necessity of holding fast integrity. It secures happiness here and hereafter. And now, good night, my dear Chrystal." Christobelle returned to her room, and beheld the large eyes of a giant-centurion fixed upon her. She could not struggle against alarm; and Taylor sat by her till she fell asleep. She endeavoured to amuse her young mistress by a description of the scenes which were taking place in the lower department of Bedinfield. "Lord help us, Miss Wetheral, if you could but see the pride of the two butlers, Mr. Spice and Mr. Hornby! Miss, they won't look at, or speak to, the other servants; and the great housekeeper, with her two helpers, sit in a room by themselves. Mr. Spice only stands by the sideboard, and Mr. Hornby behind my lady the Countess, just to look at. And do you know, miss--poor Miss Julia that was--is considered nobody at all. Every thing is my Lady Countess." "Do they think so, Taylor?" "I hear the servants that I associate with, miss, make strange observations, as we do sometimes talk over things amongst ourselves; and they say that the Lady Countess is a very determined woman, and manages my lord completely. Poor Miss Julia has no power at all; but the Lady Countess is very kind-spoken to her, and they say Miss Julia is very content to be put on one side." "Lady Ennismore, if you please, Taylor." "Ah! she is no Lady Ennismore, miss, unless she has her proper situation in this house. As to my lord, miss, I assure you the footmen speak of him in a very odd way." "In what way?" "Why one of them said openly at supper the word 'ass,' Miss Wetheral; and another said he couldn't follow his nose without the Lady Countess at his side: they all pity poor Miss Julia, and say she is too good for him." "I shall tell papa, Taylor." "Oh, gracious, Miss Wetheral! don't bring me up about such things; I really couldn't appear, upon my oath, before any one, for the world. I must hold my tongue." "No, speak on, Taylor: you must talk me to sleep." "Well, indeed, miss! The footman, Number 7, as they call him--for they are called out by number, not by name--has been some years at Bedinfield; and he says the Lady Countess had great power over her husband, the late lord. She was always bland and agreeable to speak to, if nothing offended her, but Number 7 says it was a sight to see her _angry_. She never forgave any one, and will allow no one to differ with her. Miss Julia is so gentle! that's one thing; she will never offend; but if she ever does, Number 7 says it will be the worse for her." "How can Number 7 tell any thing, Taylor?"