Besides, what else have I to look to in the future?
Remember, Sir Oswald has always told you that I have my own fortune to
achieve. I have no claim on any one, and it is to his generosity alone
I owe my present position."
"Well, I don't know how it may be, my dear," answered Miss Beaumont, "I
may be mistaken; but I cannot help thinking that Sir Oswald has changed
his mind about you. I need not tell you that my opinions are opposed to
a professional career for any young lady brought up in my
establishment, however highly gifted. I'm sure my blood actually
freezes in my veins, when I think of any pupil of mine standing on a
public stage, to be gazed at by the common herd; and I told Sir Oswald,
when he first proposed bringing you here, that it would be necessary to
keep your destiny a profound secret from your fellow-pupils; for I
assure you, my love, there are mammas and papas who would come to this
house in the dead of the night and carry off their children, without a
moment's warning, if they were informed that a young person intended to
appear on the stage of the Italian Opera was receiving her education
within these walls. In short, nothing but your own discreet conduct,
and Sir Oswald's very liberal terms, could have reconciled me to the
risk which I have run in receiving you."
The first year of Honoria Milford's residence at "The Beeches" expired,
and another year began.
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