The King of the School, or, Who will Win? — page 46: what you’re looking at

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

40 THE KING OF THE SCHOOL; OR, WHO WILL WIN? ee yes nanmvtsisbeenepesy Mr. Egerton, and your friends too. But, come in; Kate is anxious to thank you!” So saying, he ushered them into the small parlour where Kate Conway was sitting, busy with her needle. As soon as she saw who it was she dropped her work, ran forward, and etasped him by the hand. “Oh, Mr. Egerton!” she said, “this is kind of you.” “The kindness is on your side rather in inviting me, Miss Conway.” “‘ We were obliged to do so, or else we should never have had an oppor- tunity of thanking you for your bravery in rescuing us. Mr. Egerton, more so than I can find words to express.” “« Pray say no more about this, Miss Conway. I only did as any one else would have done.” Frank then introduced his com- panions, Charlie Fitzgerald and the Earl of Pembridge. Kate Conway opened her blue eyes a little wider than usual when the young peer held out his hand, and was a moment, in doubt whether she ought not to go down on one knee, and kiss the fingers he extended, or do some- thing equally ridiculous. In a moment, however, he gave her hand a hearty shake, and shortly after- wards found herself on such friendly terms as to be boldly asking him whether he got flogged the same as other boys when his conduct was not quite in accordance with the laws of Lexicon College. | The young earl laughingly explained that no distinction was made, and that his title was no protection to his person. After little conversation the young lady began to busy herself about the tea table, observing that her sister, Lizzie, would soon be home from work. “Is Lizzie dark or fair?” asked the impudent young earl, _ “ Dark,” responded Kate. “Is she pretty?” “ Yes.” Im so glad.” I am indeed grateful, © Why?” “ Because I like dark beauties. How old is she?” | “‘A year younger than myself, But, if you are not very good I shall not give you any tea; so, be kind enough not to frighten the poor girl, for she is very timid and nervous.” A few seconds afterward Mr. Con- way entered with his youngest daughter, a piquante brunette of nearly fifteen, who certainly appeared quite as bashful and nervous as she had been repre- sented. ‘Then came the tea. Kate Conway presided, and a merry meal it was. There was so much laughing and chatting, whea the brunette had van- quished her ehyness, that it is wonderful how they found time to eat and drink; yet the brown bread and _ butter, shrimps, watercresses, seed-cake and toast certainly did disappear most rapidly. | | 7 Mr. Conway at first watched rather anxiously to see how the young fellows treated his daughters, but finding that they knew how to behave as gentlemen he gradually became lost in his own meditations, which seemed to be of a rather sorrowful nature. Tea being. finished the two girls rapidly cleared away the fragments of the meal. Fitzgerald perceiving an old cottage piano in one corner of the room began to play a melancholy air. “Come let us have something a Little more lively,” said Pembridge. Charlie instantly struck up a merry polka, | By some strange instinct Frank Egerton’s arm immediately founds its way round Kate’s waist, the young earl quickly secured Lizzie as a partner, and the two couples began dancing. Fitzgerald was a pretty fair musician, but the feet of his companion seemed destined to tire his fingers, After about a dozen polkas and waltzes had been performed, he gave up or rather rested for a time, Go NOC EO mn