"So can I," cried the child, joyously. "Why is the world full of secrets, Miss Holte? Men are so clever; why can they not find all the secrets out?"
"Ah, my darling," sighed the young girl, "the skill of man does not go very far. It has mastered none of the great problems of life."
They walked down to the shore and watched the waves rolling in; great sheets of white foam spread over the sand, the chant of the sea seemed on that day louder and more full of mystery than ever.
"The salt breeze has blown away all my headache," said the child; "shall we go home, Miss Holte? Mildred says this is Valentine's Day. I wonder if it will bring anything pleasant to us. I wonder if it is a day we shall remember."
The young governess smiled sadly.
"One day is very much like another," she said, little dreaming that this was to be one of the most eventful of her life.
"My lady wishes to see you, Miss Holte," said the footman to Hyacinth as she entered the room; "she is in her own room."
The young girl went thither at once.
"I want to speak to you, Miss Holte," she said. "As I have already mentioned, I always like sensible, straightforward dealings. My son, Sir Aubrey Dartelle, comes home to-morrow and brings some visitors with him."
My lady was seated at her writing-table, the room was shaded by rose-colored curtains, half drawn, and the young governess fortunately did not stand where her face could be seen.