"With Mathilde," said he, "I had some difficulty. She was very unwilling to leave her mistress at such a time to make a voyage alone, but she was a timid creature, and I was able to work upon her fears. I told her that her mistress had committed a crime against the English laws in running away and living under an assumed name; that her husband was now in England, and would certainly pursue his wife, have her arrested, and punish severely all who had aided or abetted her. This terrified the silly creature greatly; and then, by the offer of a handsome sum and the promise of getting her a good situation, I soothed her fears and gained her consent to desert her mistress. She is now in London, and has already gained a new situation."
"Where?" said Hilda, abruptly.
"In Highgate Seminary, the place that I was connected with formerly. She is teacher of French, on a good salary."
"Is that safe?" said Hilda, after some thought.
"Why not?"
"She might give trouble."
"Oh no. Her situation is a good one, and she need never leave it."
"I can scarcely see how she can retain it long; she may be turned out, and then--we may see something of her."
"You forget that I am aware of her movements, and can easily put a stop to any efforts of that kind."
"Still I should be better satisfied if she were in France--or somewhere."