every particular of my short life and orphan

state.

At the end of three months we returned to Loch Ruff Castle, where I was more unhappy than ever; and now, being out of sight of her godmother, Annie was cruelly neglected; the warm clothing given to her was taken away and worn by Miss Jane, while I was ordered not to waste my time in teaching the former.

This determined me to make one more effort for my liberty, but Lady McJames announcing that Sir James and herself were going for a week to pay a visit to Lord and Lady Eustace, at their hunting-seat at the foot of Ben Lomond, I resolved to wait till their return.

What was the joy of poor Annie and myself when they were accompanied back by Lord and Lady Eustace, who came to stay a few days, previous to their final departure for England.

Once, I almost determined (made bold by the continued kindness of Lady Eustace) to beg her advice as to my leaving my present

situation; but I had only one opportunity to speak to her alone, and my heart then failed

me.

The third morning after her arrival, as I was in the school-room, (which was within the breakfast-room,) preparing for my day's work before the family assembled, Lady McJames entered, beginning as usual to find fault with every thing I had done, or was going to do.

Taking courage from her displeasure, I ventured once more to say that I hoped she would allow me to go when my year had expired, as I found that I never could please her, though I endeavoured to do so as much as was in my power. I added that my health was sinking under the fatigue I had to go through, being never allowed one single hour in the day for rest or relaxation.

Astonishment at my again daring to address her kept her ladyship silent till I had concluded, when in her usual loud and harsh voice she exclaimed, "Don't talk nonsense, child; if my place can't please you, I don't

"

know whose can.

What on earth do you want,

you dissatisfied girl?"

"I should like to go, madam, into a family where there are not so many children, as indeed I cannot manage them."

"I really think you are the most impertinent young creature in existence," said she. "Go you shall not, and if you did, I would not give you a character, and without one, you will see who would venture to take you!"

"Oh! madam," I exclaimed, "surely you would not be so cruel as to deprive me of the only means of obtaining a subsistence, for I have not a friend in the wide world. I never gave you any cause of offence, that I am aware of."

"Don't talk to me," answered the lady. "I see how it is, your head is turned by the notice that Lady Eustace is so absurd as to show you."

The words were hardly out of her mouth, when the lady she had just mentioned made her appearance from the breakfast-room, the

door of which had been standing partly open during our conversation.

I fancied, the moment I saw the expressive countenance of Lady Eustace, that she must have heard all that had passed.

Apologizing for breaking in upon our conversation, her ladyship turned suddenly to me, (who was bathed in tears,) saying,-" Dear Miss Dornay, is any thing the matter?"

I was about to reply, when her hostess interrupted me by saying-" Young people required looking after and correcting occasionally, and that Miss Dornay had a sad fretful habit of crying upon the slightest occasion."

Lady Eustace said nothing, but looked so attentively, and, I thought, inquiringly, in my face, that I resolved, whatever was the consequence, to explain the real cause of my

tears.

In a few hurried words I informed her ladyship of what had now, and formerly, passed between Lady McJames and myself on the subject of my quitting her family.

I had no sooner finished my sobbing ex

planation, than I felt terrified at my own boldness, while Lady McJames was kept speechless by surprise and anger.

The silence was at length broken by Lady Eustace, who said, "I am sure my friend here cannot wish to detain you against your will, my dear Miss Dornay."

Certainly not," said Lady McJames; "but as I told her, I do not feel myself justified in sending such a young creature (placed under my care) out into the world, without knowing where she is going to."

"That is very kind and considerate of you," replied her guest; "but of course, if you were certain that she would be placed in proper hands, you would have no hesitation in complying with her earnest desire to leave Scotland, which evidently does not agree with her."

Lady McJames was staggered by this speech, but feeling certain that no one either knew or cared about me, answered boldly-" Undoubtedly, under such circumstances, I would willingly part with her-"