It will be utterly impossible for her to carry out her promise in Lord Ridsdale's house, as I am sure you will have the good sense to perceive." Now, Miss Lyster was not wanting in good sense.

She was taken by surprise, as was every one else, by this sudden movement.

She had had no time to think what was best under the circumstances; the only idea that occurred to her was how more than useless it would be to offend Lady Ridsdale.

Unless she managed to secure her good opinions there would be no invitations to Ridsdale house.

These ideas flashed through her mind with the rapidity of lightning; then Miss Lyster, with an expression on her face that was a most perfect mixture of reverence and humility, said: "I hope Miss Arleigh will study herself and your ladyship, not me." "You must not look at it in that light.