“You must consent to part with her for one vacation also,” replied Mrs. Hamilton, playfully.  “I have promised, in answer to her weighty objection that she shall never see Moorlands again, to persuade you to let her spend Christmas at Oakwood.  You must consent, or I shall teach Lilla a lesson of rebellion, and carry her off from Mrs. Douglas by force.”

“Willingly, gratefully,” exclaimed Mr. Grahame.

“And you will promise me to permit her to love you, to use her own simple affectionate words before she leaves you; you will not terrify her by the cold sternness you frequently manifest towards her, and prove that you take sufficient interest in her, to love her more for every conquest she makes.”

“Faithfully, faithfully I promise, my kind friend.”

“Then I am satisfied,” replied Mrs. Hamilton, her countenance glowing with benevolent pleasure.  “I shall, I trust, one day succeed in making my little Lilla happy, and thus add to the comfort of her parents.  We are old friends, Mr. Grahame,” she added, “and therefore I do not hesitate to express the pleasure you have given me by thus promising to think upon my advice.  I began to fear that you would be displeased at my interference, deeming my advice impertinent and needless.  I have endeavoured to impress upon Lilla the necessity of a temporary absence from home, and have in part succeeded; and having Lady Helen’s sanction to speak with you, I could hesitate no longer.”

“Nor do I hesitate one moment to act upon your disinterested advice, my dear friend.  Your word is enough; but as you so earnestly wish it, I will this very hour seek those of my friends who are acquainted with Mrs. Douglas.  I must leave Lilla to express her gratitude for her father and herself.”

Mrs. Hamilton was soon placed at rest regarding the destination of her young friend.  There was not a dissenting voice as to Mrs. Douglas’s worth, one general opinion of satisfaction prevailed; but the most gratifying tribute Grahame felt, was the affection and esteem which her former pupils still fondly encouraged towards her.  Thus prepossessed, her appearance and manners did much to strengthen his resolve, and Grahame now felt armed for all encounters with those who, presuming on their near relationship to his wife, would bring forward numberless objections to his plans; but he was agreeably mistaken.  Lilla was looked upon by them all as such an evil-minded, ill-informed girl, that it signified little where she was placed, as she generally brought discredit on all who had anything to do with her.  Miss Malison, however, excited their sympathy, and Annie declared it was a shameful and dishonourable thing to dismiss her without notice, after so many years of devoted service to their family.  Poor Lady Helen had to encounter the storm of upbraiding from her daughter, and the tears and sobs of the governess, at the ill-treatment she received.  In vain Lady Helen accepted her