The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 278: what you’re looking at

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

THE FREEMASONS DAUGHTER. 271 She had thought to find her destined dupe in the situation of a dependent, who would readily embrace her offer. She was equally mortified and surprised to discover that she was considered at Burnley as a guest, and one, too, who would not readily be parted with. “Of course, my dear child, it is far from my wish or my husband’s that you should behave unhandsomely to those who have been kind to you; but you must allow your real friends to have some little influence with you. My girls are all dying to make your acquaintance: they have heard so much of you from their brother Matthew, who positively can neither think nor talk of any one else; but, as you say, you must finish your visit; so, in a week or so, I can return and fetch you.” The allusion to Matthew, which his mother de- pended upon as her best card, entirely destroyed the little chance she ever had of succeeding in her purpose. Amy heard his name with terror and disgust. The idea of ever becoming an inmate in the same house with him was revolting alike to her delicacy and pride; for, retiring as she was in her disposition, and great as were the privations to which her youth had been subjected, Amy could be very proud on occasions. “You must excuse me, madam,” she firmly said, although she blushed at her own resolution, and apparent want of gratitude; “but neither at the present nor any future time will it be in my power to avail myself of the invitation you have so kindly given.” COniiclooecl SS (SO