wrote to me after her wedding trip. I replied, but she never
wrote again. I heard that she had said that I had laid myself out to
catch B. and that she was afraid that in so doing I had hinted there was
something against her. I heard also that B. had discouraged his wife's
correspondence with me, no other reason being given than that he would
rather the acquaintanceship should be dropped. The interpretation of
this reason by those to whom it was given can be guessed. Did he fear
lest I should boast of what I had been to him or should repeat his
calumny? Ah, he little knew me if he dreamed that such treachery was
possible to me!
I remained at the vicarage for three years. The children grew up and I
was obliged to leave, but I continued to teach in different families
till I was about five-and-forty. After five-and-forty I could not
obtain another situation, and I had to support myself by letting
apartments at Brighton. My strength is now failing; I cannot look after
my servant properly, nor wait upon my lodgers myself. Those who have to
get their living by a lodging-house know what this means and what the
end will be.
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