had thought it possible for him to do, as he went forward and opened the door. My heart beat fast. It did not beat at all less fast when the conviction flashed into my mind, like a ray of light into the darkness, that that footstepnow so near—was a familiar one, though I had not heard it now for more than a year! But it -my heart took a great jump, and then suddenly stopped beating altogether, when I heard a voice that certainly belonged to no female, old or young, wanting a companion, cry, "How are you, sir? Where is she?" Then, in an instant, I had run across the room with outstretched hands, which, however, Philip, rushing in, did not take, but clasped me in his arms!

"This is the most suitable situation I could find you," said Mr. Stillington; "I hope it will answer." And then he left the room, shutting the door behind him.

must follow him for five

The reader must

minutes.

CHAPTER X.

EXPLANATIONS.

WHEN we had somewhat recovered equanimity, Philip explained everything to me.

How about four days before, just as he was beginning to feel anxious at not receiving his usual bi-weekly despatch from me, he got a letter from my uncle, couched in the most insolent terms, announcing my "unauthorized" departure from home; and the conviction of my family that I had taken refuge with him; which if I had done, "I had cut myself off for ever from their care and protection, and branded myself with indelible disgrace." And another somewhat more civil epistle from Mountiford, inclosing one

requested Philip would give.

to me, which he

Distracted with grief and anger, he instantly replied to both,

in their own tone; and then he hastened to

Mr. Stillington to acquaint him with the matter and ask for instant leave of absence, that he might go and search for me in all the corners of the earth; when, to his surprise, his guardian informed him that I was in London under his care, and had been since a few hours after I left my uncle's house; but that he had not informed him of the fact, to enable him to answer with truth that he knew nothing of my whereabouts, to the inquiries which he, Mr. Stillington, felt sure would be made of him, Philip, by my relations concerning me. Philip, of course, was quite reassured at this news, and begged to be informed of my exact whereabouts, so that he might see me at once; which information, however, Mr. Stillington would not supply him with until he had promised to abstain from any communication, personal or otherwise, with me for a few days, pending some arrangements which he was making.

got for me. But, to be sure now, I suppose he has not got the situation for me at all! He was only pretending!"

"Why," said Philip, laughing, "I am the situation."

"You! Nonsense. Didn't he tell you that I am going to be a governess or companion?" "Oh, yes, he told me," said Philip, laughing still more. "But I want a companion. Don't

you see?"

I confess I did not at first. But after thinking an instant or two, looking at Philip's smiling joyous face, I began to perceive. But when I did, I did not smile or look joyous as he did. I shook my head.

66

Oh no, that cannot be," I said.

"Why not?"

"O Philip, you remember what we said about it long ago?"

Yes; but that is all changed now. Mr.

Stillington has pensioned off Thomson, the

head confidential man, who did all the important correspondence. He was getting very old, and wishing to retire. I always knew I should get the place whenever he did, but I did not think it would be so soon; but Mr. Stillington settled it with Thomson yesterday, and has given me the post."

This did alter the aspect of affairs, certainly. I began to smile too.

"O Philip, how kind he is."

"Oh yes, very," said Philip. But he seemed to take this kindness of Mr. Stillington almost as a matter of course, and not to have at all as high a sense of it as I had.

"When he told me that you were in London, he asked me what I was going to do; and I said, of course, that I intended to ask you to marry me immediately."

"You didn't?"

‘Oh, yes,—I did. And then he said, But was I sure that you would have me?"