Therese was very ignorant, and had no idea what unlimited powers M. Deshoulieres' guardianship might not convey. The tears gathered in her eyes, she almost flung herself at madame's feet. "No, no, no, madame," she implored, "do not send me away. I am not good enough for that life. I cannot give up Fabien. Do not send me away!" It was her whole heart crying out, but madame looked and listened coldly. "My children must not be sacrificed," she said, folding her hands inexorably. There was a little silence. Madame glanced at Therese from under her eyelids; the girl had recovered herself, and was standing motionless, her eyes on the ground, and a red flush on her cheek. Either her pride had come to her aid, or she was making a desperate resolution. Madame thought it was time to waver. "If, indeed--" she said, slowly. "But no." "If what, madame?" "You have had a grand education, without doubt, mademoiselle?" "I used to learn a great deal. I do not know that it was any good," said Therese, wearily. "I am in treaty with an admirable instructress for Octavie and Adolphe. It would be an infinite loss to them: still--" "Do you mean that I could teach them?" said Therese, brightening up and looking delighted. "It is almost wrong of me," madame declared, sighing. "I do not know what my husband will say to my weakness." Therese cried out, gratefully, that she should never repent it. Her buoyant spirit reasserted itself; she drew a long breath of relief as she thought of Monsieur Deshoulieres and the convent on one side, Fabien and happiness on the other, with Madame Roulleau, in her linen jacket, standing as arbitrix between them. If there had been a dozen Octavies and Adolphes she must have embraced her, as she did. Such joy did not mollify madame. "Who is to promenade with you?" she asked, crossly. "It must not be a fine lady, to ruin us in wages." "I have thought of some one," Therese cried out with eagerness. "Let it be old Nannon; she is very poor, and will be glad to get a little." "That old creature!" exclaimed madame, who was secretly pleased, but felt it necessary to make a favour of every concession. Perhaps Therese also was actuated by the spirit of contradiction towards the unconscious offender, M. Deshoulieres. "I should like her better than any one else," she said. Madame went away well satisfied with her own tactics. By a little skilful management she could make these two play against each other. Therese was already thoroughly prejudiced against her guardian, and should he be displeased by the choice of Nannon, he would learn that it arose from the girl's own wilfulness. It was far more likely that, having once spoken on the subject, he would not trouble himself about it again. Madame Roulleau was a clever woman, but she knew nothing of those new sounds which were beginning to make themselves heard in his heart.