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A sense of rest and peace stole over me, followed by a few hours of natural sleep. On opening my eyes from this refreshing slumber, I found Mary still sitting near me. "Mary," said I, "you must tell me where I am; everything here looks so natural, and yet as if I were in a dream." "You are not dreaming, Miss. You are in your own chamber in Bristed Hall." Bristed Hall!
Some day, Agnes, you may learn to appreciate the worth of a heart that truly loves you." I fell upon my knees before him. "O Mr. Bristed, I do appreciate!" I cried. "I do know that you love me. Let me live for you. Let me by a life of devotion atone for the mistakes of the past!" He lifted me up, and folded me to his breast.
He was only known as "Mr. Richard." "Call me that, Agnes, I hate the name of Bristed. Introduce me to your friends as Mr. Richard," he said, and I had done so. About this time he explained satisfactorily, to my credulous mind, the cause of his sudden retreat from Bristed Hall, and gave me reason to believe that the statements his brother had made concerning him were untrue and evil in design.
Feeling that if I permitted him to encroach upon my position as governess I would be lost, I refused. I must give him to understand that I know my place and will not be trifled with, I thought; so I arose and rang the bell for Mary. She soon appeared, apparently surprised at seeing Mr. Richard Bristed so much at home in the school-room.
I saw no alternative, without disturbing the neighborhood and betraying myself; so, like a criminal, I stepped softly to the hall and unlocked the door. He came in with a light, free step, and seated himself upon a couch with the ease of an old friend and accomplished gentleman. It was Richard Bristed! I will not detail what passed at this interview.
During this recital Mr. Bristed and I exchanged glances of horror. We could not speak. When it was finished, he said: "Agnes, order the coach. I must take him away from this place." I felt that the boy was too feeble to move, but I dared not suggest it. I too wanted him removed from the baneful influences of the house.
I sickened. What crime was this that he hinted at so strangely? But the insinuation was too incredible. The thought that he was working on my credulity exasperated me. "If you want me to leave your house, Mr. Bristed, command me and I will go, but you cannot force me to believe this horrid inference."
Bristed had given me. I took it from its undisturbed nook in my trunk, and having read the superscription, set about to find the party to whom it was addressed. The direction led me to a large manufacturing establishment. The gentleman to whom it was written appeared to be a foreigner.
A few weeks of balmy spring air and soft sunshine completely restored me to health. One day when strolling in company with Mr. Bristed through a path blooming with early hyacinths and crocuses, I ventured to ask him about my school. "It is entirely broken up, Agnes. After the fearful tragedy that transpired within its walls, your pupils scattered like dust in the wind.
"Oh no, miss!" she replied; "you are not strong enough yet." "I am quite strong. Besides, it will revive me; I am weary of the bed, and need a change." She acquiesced in my wish, dressed me neatly, and smoothed my hair. "Now, take me down," I requested. "I wish to surprise Mr. Bristed."
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