The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 66: what you’re looking at

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

THE SCHOOLMASTER 49 dent, as likewise that she was well bred and well brought up; and all the usages of good society were familiar to her. How came she, then, in her present position? Had she no relatives to take charge of her, no friends of a better order than those in whose care Christian found her? All these were mysteries which he could not penetrate, and concerning | which he dared scarcely ask on the next occasion that he found himself alone with either Mr. or Mrs. Chubb. Four or five days passed, and Christian occasionally met the beautiful Isabella upon the stairs. She always responded to his passing remarks with that mild affability which we have just noticed, but he found no opportunity to lead her into a protracted conversation. She never stirred out of the house except when accompanied by Mrs. Chubb. For the greater part of the day she kept her own chamber. Sometimes she sat in the front parlour down-stairs, and was then, for the most part, occupied in reading or working. Christian felt assured that she was not happy, though she might endeavour to resign herself to her lot. He was also convinced that there must be some strange mystery with regard to this beautiful creature, and he longed to fathom it, — not through any impertinent curiosity, but because he had become so deeply interested in her, so profoundly enamoured of her. She was a lovely myth, and often and often did Christian catch himself sighing; occasionally, too, did a tear trickle down his cheeks as he said to him- self, “She is not happy, and it is not given to me to ensure her felicity. Oh, to obtain her confidence, and to be permitted to breathe the language of solace and sympathy in her ears! ”’ The week was passing away, and Christian had received no answer to his advertisement. He endeavoured to make himself believe that he was sorry for this delay in obtaining another situation, but it was not so easy to arrive with con- scientiousness at that belief. Indeed, if the truth be told, we think it must be admitted that Christian was rather glad than otherwise at having an excuse for prolonging his resi- dence beneath the same roof which sheltered the object of his growing love. When he saw his sister he spoke to her about Isabella Vincent, and he asked Christina if she would come and call upon the young lady, provided the latter would consent to receive the visit. Christina, as the reader CORNICE OOOlKS (FO)