“Yes; I have no idea she will ever be well again.  If strong enough she is going back to her family in Philadelphia next week.  Why do you ask?”

“I want to get the situation, and wish you would say to madam that I have called to see her about it.  I will wait here till you speak to her.”

“Beulah, are you mad?  Dr. Hartwell never will consent to your teaching music!” cried Clara, with astonishment written on every feature.

“Dr. Hartwell is not my master, Clara Sanders!  Will you speak to madam, or shall I have to do it?”

“Certainly, I will speak to her.  But oh, Beulah! are you wild enough to leave your present home for such a life?”

“I have been elected a teacher in the public schools but shall have nothing to do until the first of October.  In the meantime I intend to give music lessons.  If madam will employ me for two months she may be able to procure a professor by the opening of the next term.  And, further, if I can make this arrangement I am coming immediately to board with Mrs. Hoyt.  Now speak to madam for me, will you?”

“One moment more.  Does the doctor know of all this?”

“He knows that I intend to teach in the public school.  He goes to New York this afternoon.”

Clara looked at her mournfully, and said, with sad emphasis: 

“Oh, Beulah! you may live to rue your rashness.”

To Madam St. Cymon the proposal was singularly opportune, and, hastening to meet the applicant, she expressed much pleasure at seeing Miss Benton again.  She was very anxious to procure a teacher for the young ladies boarding with her, and for her own daughters, and the limited engagement would suit very well.  She desired, however, to hear Miss Benton perform.  Beulah took off her gloves and played several very difficult pieces with the ease which only constant practice and skillful training can confer.  Madam declared herself more than satisfied with her proficiency, and requested her to commence her instructions on the following day.  She had given the former teacher six hundred dollars a year, and would allow Miss Benton eighty dollars for the two months.  Beulah was agreeably surprised at the ample remuneration, and, having arranged the hours of her attendance at the school, she took leave of the principal.  Clara called to her as she reached the street; and, assuming a gayety which, just then, was very foreign to her real feelings, Beulah answered: 

“It is all arranged.  I shall take tea with you in my new home, provided Mrs. Hoyt can give me a room.”  She kissed her hand and hurried away.  Mrs. Hoyt found no difficulty in providing a room; and, to Beulah’s great joy, managed to have a vacant one adjoining Clara’s.  She was a gentle, warmhearted woman; and as Beulah examined the apartment and inquired the terms, she hesitated, and said: 

“My terms are thirty dollars a month; but you are poor, I judge, and being Miss Clara’s friend I will only charge you twenty-five.”