slender stock of money soon dwindled away.  Clemence turned to the one alternative, work.  She must get employment, but where, or how?  She had no one to turn to for advice.  Pride forbade her asking help of those who had known them in the days of their prosperity, and who should have come forward at once with offers of assistance.  There was no one in the great, wide city to give her even a word of encouragement.  She must rely solely upon her own judgment.  What could she do?  She might go out as a governess.  She ran over in her mind her list of accomplishments.  She had a good knowledge of music, could draw and paint creditably, was able to converse fluently in French, Spanish and Italian, besides possessing a thorough English education.  The girl thought, naturally enough, for one of her inexperience, that she might earn enough for their support by teaching.  At least, she resolved to make the effort, for something must be done immediately.  Her beloved mother was in need of comforts that she could not supply from their scanty purse.  Clemence could not bear to see her suffer thus, and, after pondering long and deeply upon the subject, she resolved upon, what was for her, a very bold venture.

Dressing herself modestly and tastefully, she started out in the warm sunshine of a bright spring day, with the design of applying for the position of governess at some of the elegant private residences which graced the fine avenues of the great city where so many like herself toiled and suffered.  She walked slowly along, with a throbbing heart, and tears that she could not repress filling her eyes; but she remembered her mother waiting at home, and the thought nerved her.  Hastily opening the gate nearest at hand, she ran up the steps and rang the bell without giving herself time for thought.  A stolid looking servant came to the door, who eyed her suspiciously, and did not seem disposed to admit her.  However, on her decided request to see the lady of the house, she was shown a seat in the hall, and left to her reflections.  A moment after, there was the rustle of silken robes, the sparkle of brilliant jewels, and a cold voice said ominously—­

“You wished to speak with me, I believe.”

Clemence modestly stated her errand.

“A governess?  No, I do not wish to employ any such person,” replied the lady, standing and looking as if no more was to be said; and Clemence could only give a little deprecating bow, and turn away.

She determined, though, not to give up with one effort, for she had expected rebuffs, and mustering her courage for another trial, and hoping better success, she rang at the next bell.

This time she was admitted at once, and announced “a lady to see you, mum,” to an elderly lady in black satin and gold spectacles, who was surrounded by several blooming daughters and a young gentleman stretched lazily upon the sofa.  Clemence again made known her errand.