Witch Hazel; or, The Secret of the Locket — page 138: what you’re looking at

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

eraft with an sncohor, which he took froin his own, after which he turned his prow toward the island. _ Hazel offered to take an oar, affirming that she could be of considerable assistance to him; but he siilingly refused. He had placed her on the seat facing him, for he wanted an opportunity to study her features, which he thought were the sweetest he had ever seen. Belle assumed the lead in conversation, using her girlish prerogative of asking whatever questions she chose, Among other things, she inqnired after Sir Henry, whom she had seen and greatly acinired when he visited Helena at Osterly,. "T suspect.’ remarked the young man, when she al- lowed him the opportunity, ‘that you are sister to the young lady whose case interested my father so much recently. Iremember his speaking of it on his return from Osterly Park.” “Yes, I am,” Belle replied. “Helena had a queer kind of fainting turn, and we all thought she waa going to die.” “Helena! Miss Helena Stewart,” said Mr. Har- wood, with sudden interest. I wonder if I did nat mect her in London society a coupie of months since,” “I think very likely; she went out a great deal while we were in London.” “She is very beantiful, if Iam not mistaken as to her identity,” the young man remarked. “Most peoplo think that Helena is handsome, but I don't,” replied Belle, with decision, “Do you not!” Mr. Harwood asked, with gleaming eyes, forthe girl’s frankness greatly amused him, “T should suppose you would be very proud of her beauty and of the attention she recalves,”’ “Yes, [ know thatshe is a great belle, und I suppose sheis very pretty; but to me she is not beautiful like ’ (her eyes wandered to Hazel, who wus watching the play of the oars and listening, though Sho Was unconscious thatshe had become the subject of remark) ‘“lilee some other peopla whom I have met,” Belle concluded, giviny him a significant glance, which he returned with a quiet emile, show- ing that he understood her und appreciated her taste. Fae gem a. Ot into a hee ne the island, which seemed made purposely for lauding, and three minutes later the little party were all Pecomiebookstcom