“I do not want any tending, so you may leave me, if you please.”

“Haven’t you been here long enough to find out that you might as well fight the waves of the sea as my master’s will?  Take care, child, how you begin to countermand his orders, for I tell you now there are some in this house who will soon make it a handle to turn you out into the world again.  Mind what I say.”

“Do you mean that I am not wanted here?”

“I mean, keep your eyes open.”  Harriet vanished in the dark passage, and Beulah locked the door, feeling that now she was indeed alone, and could freely indulge the grief that had so long sought to veil itself from curious eyes.  Yet there was no disposition to cry.  She sat down on the bed and mused on the strange freak of fortune which had so suddenly elevated the humble nurse into the possessor of that elegantly furnished apartment.  There was no elation in the quiet wonder with which she surveyed the change in her position.  She did not belong there, she had no claim on the master of the house, and she felt that she was trespassing on the rights of the beautiful Pauline.  Rapidly plans for the future were written in firm resolve.  She would thankfully remain under the roof that had so kindly sheltered her, until she could qualify herself to teach.  She would ask Dr. Hartwell to give her an education, which, once obtained, would enable her to repay its price.  To her proud nature there was something galling in the thought of dependence, and, throwing herself on her knees for the first time in several weeks, she earnestly besought the God of orphans to guide and assist her.

CHAPTER IX.

“Do you wish her to commence school at once?”

“Not until her wardrobe has been replenished.  I expect her clothes to be selected and made just as Pauline’s are.  Will you attend to this business, or shall I give directions to Harriet?”

“Certainly, Guy; I can easily arrange it.  You intend to dress her just as I do Pauline?”

“As nearly as possible.  Next week I wish her to begin school with Pauline, and Hansell will give her music lessons.  Be so good as to see about her clothes immediately.”

Dr. Hartwell drew on his gloves and left the room.  His sister followed him to the door, where his buggy awaited him.

“Guy, did you determine about that little affair for Pauline?  She has so set her heart on it.”

“Oh, do as you please, May; only I am—­”

“Stop, Uncle Guy!  Wait a minute.  May I have a birthday party?  May I?” Almost out of breath, Pauline ran up the steps; her long hair floating over her face, which exercise had flushed to crimson.

“You young tornado!  Look how you have crushed that cluster of heliotrope, rushing over the flower-beds as if there were no walks.”  He pointed with the end of his whip to a drooping spray of purple blossoms.