The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 264: what you’re looking at

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

HENRIETTA LEYDEN 247 Henrietta’s hand, ‘‘ you must allow me to be of some service to you. But no one need know anything about it, and 1f you do not wish to continue’ your present avocation — However,’ she observed, suddenly checking herself, as she felt that it would be imprudent to promise too much to one who was almost a total stranger to her, for Angela knew little or nothing of the generality of the ballet-dancers, “however, we will talk more upon that subject on a future occasion. Have the kindness to give me your address — there are writing materials on the table before you — and to-morrow you will receive a visit from some one who may perhaps be inclined to assist you.” With these words Angela Vivaldi rose from the seat which she had taken close to Henrietta, and advancing to a chest of drawers where her purse lay, she took out some money, wrapped it up in a little piece of paper, and then returning toward the table where Henrietta was writing down her address, she bent over her and said, whisperingly, ‘‘ This will suffice, poor girl, for your immediate wants.” Miss Leyden, whose heart was now swelling almost to bursting, but with emotions very far different from those which she had so recently experienced, pressed to her lips the hand that had placed the little packet in her own; while she endeavoured to murmur forth some words expressive of her gratitude, but her utterance was choked, and beyond a few broken syllables she could say nothing. “ Hasten home to your mother, my young friend,” said Angela, “and do not be afraid that I shall forget you.” Henrietta went forth from the presence of Signora Vivaldi with feelings which can be better understood than described. It was not so much because the eminent danseuse had put money into her hand, for she knew not yet how much the ° paper contained, but it was because such compassionate sympathy had been shown her, because she had been treated with kindness, and because at parting Angela had called her by the name of “ friend.”’ Oh, for the humble and obscure ballet-girl, with eight shillings a week, to be suddenly admitted to the friendship of the renowned dan- seuse whose path was paved with gold and strewed with flowers! Oh, to have won the sympathy of her whose high and brilliant position she had so often envied! It appeared CORnNIEDOOKS (FO)