A Heart's Bitterness — page 56: what you’re looking at

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

sie cae A HEART'S BITTERNESS. — «¢ Very; but I know how to do but little.” ‘Why do you not learn this kind, if you like 1t?” ‘‘7] thought it was only done by those wonderful people in the far East. Yes, I should likeit. I have a deal of _ time on my hands, and I do not enjoy doing nothing. I like to be employed. I cannot sit hours at the piano, mak- ing music for myself alone; and I have but little genius for painting or drawing.” ‘<Tf you wish to learn this oriental work, and will accept instruction, I shall be glad to teach you. JI am now in Paris, making my living by giving lessons. I have been a governess for some years in England. Shall I send you my recommendations? If you wish lessons, it would really be a favor to me to learn of me. I suppose it seems odd to a person in your circumstances, that any one should be anx- ious to earn a few pounds!” . ‘©QOh, I should like to learn, indeed I should!” cried Vio- let, her benevolent nature aroused by this half appeal from - @ woman but a few years older than herself, and exceed- ingly lady-like in speech and appearance. _ ** Would you come to my hotel, and teach me?” ‘* With pleasure.” _ © Thereis my card. Come to-morrow about eleven o’clock. Will you bring all the material? I should not know what to get. How many lessons will I need? I shall not be here more than a fortnight longer.” «Six or eight will be enough for a person of taste. You. will learn readily. Which of the styles do you prefer?” After a little more chat they parted, Violet already feel- ing an interest in the stranger. he next day Lord Leigh had gone out immediately after _ their ten o’clock breakfast, and Violet did not expect to see him again until evening. | Shortly after eleven she was seated in her boudoir, with her new acqaintance, busily at work over an embroidery a frame, when Lord Leigh hastily entered. He stopped ab- ruptly, and his face darkened as his eyes fell on the em- broidery teacher, who after one swift look kept her glance’ _ fixed on her patterns. «« Lady Leigh, I wish to speak to you. I have come for you.” He swept back the portiere with his arm for Violet to pass into the adjoining’ bedroom. Then he closed the door, and said, hurriedly: ‘‘I wish you to get ready quickly Gomicbooks