Witch Hazel; or, The Secret of the Locket — page 159: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XVIII. HELENA SHOWS HER COLORS. “Who is she?” Mrs. Earlescourt asked of Mrs, Stewart, by whom she was sitting, and with whom ye had been socially chatting during the last half 10ur, “She is a Miss Gay, a member of my family,” Mrs, Stewart replied, ‘Indeed! you must be very proud of her, for she is exceedingly gifted. Is she a relative?” “No; she is simply tlie companion and governess of my younger daughter,” “She seems very young for such a position,” re- marked Mrs. Earlescourt, as she studied the fair young face opposite her. “She is young, but she seems wonderfully fitted for it. Sheig just fresh from school, and, according to my judgment, all the better qualified to teach on that account.” “She seems very much ofalady. Is she obliged to teach? Has she no home nor parents?” “No, she is an orphan.” “Poor child!” said Mrs. Earlescourt, tears starting to her eyes, ‘haw proud of her her father and mother would have been if they could have lived until now.” Presently she excused herself, and, watching her opportunity, when Hazel was at liberty, she went to her and remarked, in her gracious way : “You have given us arare treat this evening, Miss Gay. Ihave enjoyed your musie more than I can express. You must excuse me for addressing you without the formality of an introduction,’ she con- tinned, ‘lam Mrs. Harlescourt, and I feel ech at home in the house of my friend, Meee ook