"Why, you appeared to recognise each other," she said.

I then informed her when and where I had seen him before.

Mrs. Watson said no more, and the conversation dropped.

About a week after this little occurrence, every thing going on as quietly and coldly as usual, the marchioness, after paying her daily visit to the school-room, turned to me and said,

"I shall have no further occasion for your services. Mrs. Watson will have the goodness to settle every thing with you."

Then slightly bowing her head, she quitted the apartment.

I was so petrified, that I knew not what to do, but turning to Mrs. Watson, looked (for I could not ask) for an explanation. She, however, took no notice of me, but ringing the bell, desired the servant who answered it to dress the young ladies immediately, as they were going with the marchioness to Windsor.

As soon as we were left alone, she desired

me to lose no time in packing up my things, as the carriage would be ready to take me at four o'clock.

I now ventured to inquire if she knew why I was so suddenly dismissed, adding, that I should be very grieved if I had given any offence.

"The marchioness has no further occasion for your services," replied the governess; " and her ladyship has authorized me to say, that as she had engaged you for a year, you will receive the whole amount of your salary, that you may not be put to any present inconvenience."

Saying which, she drew forth two ten-pound notes, for which she desired me to give her my receipt.

Finding that I could get no satisfactory explanation from this formal person, I hastened to obey her commands, pondering where I should go to, what I should do, and what my benefactress would think of my being so suddenly and unceremoniously dismissed.

While these thoughts were passing in my

mind, my heart being very full, I was summoned to the school-room to dine before I started.

Here I found the imperturbable Mrs. Watson reading the newspaper. She rose to join me at table, and very little passed while the servants were in the room.

As soon as they were gone, she asked me if I were ready, saying she had the orders of the marchioness to see me safe to my friends.

"Friends," I exclaimed, "God help me, I scarcely know where to turn, but perhaps I had better go first to dear Lady Eustace."

"Her ladyship is out of town, and not expected to return for a week," observed Mrs. Watson.

"Well, then, madam," I replied, trying to keep in the tears which were filling my eyes, "if you please, I should like to go to

Street, where I have a friend who, perhaps, can receive me."

I immediately left the room to hide the tears which began to stream down my cheeks, and

dressing as speedily as possible, rejoined Mrs. Watson, who was ready to accompany

me.

A plain carriage was at the door, upon which my luggage was placed, my companion entered, and I followed.

Only a few common-place observations passed between us, and I was very glad when I found myself at the end of our drive.

Coldly bidding me good morning, and waitting to see me safe into the house, Mrs. Watson drove off, and I never saw, or wished to see her again.

I hastened to explain my situation to Mrs. Davies, and requested her to let me an apartment, till I could get into another family, adding that I could now well afford to pay for my lodging and my board.

"Pay me," cried the warm-hearted creature; "indeed you shall do no such thing; keep your little money for a rainy day. I promised you shelter and protection when you required it, and I am quite pleased that you came to me in the first instance.

"No thanks," said she, interrupting my grateful expressions, "I shall be delighted to have your company as long as you like to stay. The little bed-room within mine, which you before occupied, is at your service, and if you can live as I do, you shall partake of my fare."

Finding all remonstrance useless, I thankfully said I would become her guest till I heard of the return of Lady Eustace.

While Mrs. Davies was indignant at my abrupt dismissal by the marchioness, she joined me in praising her liberality towards me, so very different from the miserable conduct of Lady McJames.

I dispatched a note to my benefactress, directed to Grosvenor Square, informing her of all that had passed, and begging leave to wait upon her for a short time upon her re

turn.

I heard nothing for a week. At the expiration of that time, her ladyship sent a note with her carriage, desiring me to come to her immediately.