The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 276: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE FREEMASONS DAUGHTER. 269 train and turn round her fingers at her pleasure. She came prepared to astonish her by her condescension, but was herself astonished at the ease and ladylike self-possession with which the orphan received her. ‘¢ My poor dear girl,” she began, “I am sorry, very sorry for your unhappy position; and Small, who is all heart, and myself have been considering what we can do to assist you.” “You are very kind, madam,” replied Amy, in- wardly shocked at the ostentatious display of patronage. “Well, yes, I believe I am kind,” said the ma- neuvring lady, modestly accepting the word in its full sense. ‘‘ I know its a weakness, but I can’t help it; so, my dear child, we have decided—that is I and Small—to invite you to pass a few weeks with us, till you can get over your loss, and look about you. Mine,” she added, “is a serious family. The society of my daughters, who have been brought up under my own care, will improve and be a comfort to you; so you have only to thank Mrs. Bowles, who, I must say, has behaved very handsomely to you, pack up your things, and return with us to Manchester.” Amy and her companion exchanged glances. There was an ironical smile upon the countenance of the latter, as she undertook to reply for her friend, whose embarrassment could only be equalled by her astonish- ment at the unexpected offer, and she ¢ coarse manner in which it was made. ‘* Miss Lawrence, I am sure, feels as grateful as she COniiclooecl SS (SO