right from wrong. She would remonstrate, and tell us things that were every word good and true, only she did it with so little force, that they were apt not to mind her; and then it was no wonder that she grew dispirited, and sunk into poor unfortunate.'
'Yes,' said Agnes, 'I can understand it all; she was in a situation that she was not fit for, and failed.'
'She would have been very different in another situation, most probably,' said Mrs. Wortley, 'where she and the children were not so much left to each other's mercy.'
'Yes; Mrs. Lyddell never mended matters,' said Marian. 'She did not back up or strengthen her, but only frightened her, till she was quite as ready to conceal what was amiss as her pupils. And that intimacy with Clara was a very unlucky thing; it drew her down without drawing Clara up.'
'I suppose that was the origin of the catastrophe,' said Mrs. Wortley.
'I should think so; they have been more alone together lately, for I am sure this could never have happened when Caroline was in the schoolroom. And her making a friend of Clara was no wonder, so forlorn and solitary as she must have been.' And Marian sighed with fellow-feeling for her.
'An intimate, not a friend,' said Mrs. Wortley.
'And I could better fancy making a friend of Miss Lyddell,' said Agnes. 'I can't say my tete-a-tete with Miss Clara made me desire much more of her confidence.'
'Clara is more caressing,' said Marian. 'I think I am most fond of her, though Caroline is--O! quite another thing. But what I wanted was to ask you, Mrs. Wortley, if you thought I might write to poor Miss Morley, and ask if there is anything I can do for her. I can't bear to think of her going away without wishing her good-bye, or showing any feeling for her in her distress.'
'How very right and kind of you, Marian,' exclaimed Agnes, 'after all her injustice--'
'I do not think it would be advisable, my dear,' said Mrs. Wortley; 'it would seem like putting yourself in opposition to Mrs. Lyddell, and might be pledging yourself, in a manner, to recommend her, which, with your opinion of her, you could not well do.'
'O, no, no, except in some particular case. Yes, I suppose you are right; but I don't feel happy to take no notice.'
'Perhaps something may occur on your return, when you understand the matter more fully; or, at any rate, if you are writing to Oakworthy, you might send some message of farewell, kind remembrances, or love.'
'Those are so unmeaning and conventional that I hate them,' said Marian.
'Yes, but their want of meaning is their advantage here. They are merely kindly expressions of good will.'
'And they will mean more from you,' added Agnes, 'as you never have the civility to use them on ordinary occasions.'
'Well, I will take your advice,' said Marian, 'and thank you, Mrs. Wortley; I only wish--'
The wish ended in a sigh, as Marian sat down to commence--'My dear Caroline.'
Chapter XI.
'But we are women when boys are but boys;
Heav'n gives us grace to ripen and grow wise,
Some six years earlier. I thank heav'n for it:
We grow upon the sunny side of the wall.'
TAYLOR.
