I always knew that. My dear old doll! I had always rather a noticing waynot a quick way, oh, no! I have not by any means a quick understanding. But even that may be my vanity. She was a good, good woman! She was always grave and strict. I had never heard my mama spoken of. I had never been told where it was. I never went out at all. It was my birthday. There were holidays at school on other birthdaysnone on mine. My birthday was the most melancholy day at home in the whole year. Do now, at last, dear godmother, if you please! Oh, speak to me! Her darkened face had such power over me that it stopped me in the midst of my vehemence. The time will comeand soon enoughwhen you will understand this better and will feel it too, as no one save a woman can. For yourself, unfortunate girl, orphaned and degraded from the first of these evil anniversaries, pray daily that the sins of others be not visited upon your head, according to what is written. Forget your mother and leave all other people to forget her who will do her unhappy child that greatest kindness.