CHAPTER XVI.
"I am afraid I have startled you ?" said the governess, carefully closing the door.
"I thought it was my aunt," Carmina answered, as simply as a child.
"Have you been crying ?" "I couldn't help it, Miss Minerva." "Mrs.Gallilee spoke cruelly to you--I don't wonder at your feeling angry." Carmina gently shook her head.

"I have been crying," she explained, "because I am sorry and ashamed.

How can I make it up with my aunt?
Shall I go back at once and beg her pardon?
I think you are my friend, Miss Minerva.

Will you advise me ?" It was so prettily and innocently said that even the governess was touched--for a moment.

"Shall I prove to you that I am your friend ?" she proposed.