CHAPTER III.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 36, 3 September 1903, Page 23

CHAPTER 111.

This morning, upon which our story opens, news had come that the company in which all Madge's money was invested had failed, completely, utterly failed, and she \\ as penniless

As soon as Mrs Redwood was informed of Madge's change of fortune she plainly told her that she could not affoid to keep her, and that she must look out at once for something to do. Her better nature, so long dormant as to be nearly dead, whispered that it was her duty to offer a home tp her orphan niece. But, she argued, Maud and Stella had prior claims upon her. The only hope of their marrying well was for them to move constantly in society ; they must go to London for the season, and to the seaside or Switzerland for the summer. To do this required every farthing of her income, consequently keeping Madge was out of the question Besides, this seemed almost an interposition of Prowdence to remo\e Madge from Gerald Stirling's proximity Once this dangerous rival was out of the way, could he fail to surrender to Maud's beguiling charms ? Truly 'Tis an ill wind that blows nobody good.' A fortnight had elapsed since Madge had found herself a penniless girl. One more added to the crowd of refined and educated women who eagerly search the educational columns of our dailies, and vainly send in their applications over and over again, to be considered by those who advertise for a ' Governess, competent to give a thorough /English education, French, German, music, drawing, etc., to several children. Comfortable home ' Only too thankful if among the hundred and one competent applicants, they are considered most competent to drum all the etceteras i»ntoi the woodefi hlea'ds of Mrs Brown-Jones's half-dozen stnpid olive branches. Can it be wondered at, if Madge felt very miserable as she asked herself (as she had done about a hundred times a day for the past fortnight) what was she to do ? Her spirits were at a very low ebb. Even the weather was depressing, for it was still raining. Longfellow's lines rang incessantly in her head — ' My life is cold and dark and dreary ; It rams, and the wind is never weary ; My thoughts still cling to the mouldering past, But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast,

And the days are dark and dreary.' In the midst of this reverie the door opened and her aunt entered, an open letter in her hand.

4 Madge, I have just received a letter from Mrs. Barton, telling me of an opening that will just suit you.' 'Oh ! Aunt this is really good news.'

' I will read you what Mrs. Barton says : "I do suppose you know of a well-educated girl, wanting a situation as governess. Mrs. Owen, who resides in this district, is in need of one. She does not wish to advertise if s>he can help it. A dread of the host of replies she would have to deal with is too appalling an idea for her. Besides, she is desirous of securing a governess known personally to some one upon whose opinion she can rely. She is going to Tasmania very shortly, to join Dr. Owen, who has been there for twelve months. Of course she would require her governess to go with her. One point she is particular about is that she must possesa a specially good knowledge of French, both grammatical and conversational." There, Madge, it ist just what you want. Your knowledge of French should secure you the situation. I will write at once and recommend you.' A month later Madge had left Redwood Manor for