The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 277: what you’re looking at

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

270 THE FREEMASONS DAUGHTER. ought to do, madam, for your unexpected visit, and still more unexpected offer ; but it is quite impossible she should accept it: she is engaged to remain for some time on a visit to Mrs. Bowles, who, I am sure, will never consent to part with her.” The orphan rewarded her friend with a grateful smile for the promptitude with which she came to he assistance. : For so young a creature, Mary Heartland wanted neither for tact nor knowledge of the world: she had read the character of their visitor at a glance, and although at a loss what motive to assign for her sudden interest in Amy’s welfare, she felt convinced that there was a motive. Had she been a little older she would, in the straightforward integrity of her nature, have been more than a match for the other’s cunning. «‘ Impossible |”? said Mrs. Small. *‘ Impossible !”? echoed Miss Small, who, during the interview, had thrown herself into a studied attitude upon the sofa, “ well, I never!” “‘ Quite impossible,” said Amy, mildly ; “ at present I could not bear the bustle and noise of Manchester ; friends and retirement are all I require : fortunately I have found most kind ones here. It would be ungrate- ful to leave them.” Mrs. Small was a woman of the world: she saw that she had gone on the wrong tack, and like a skilful creature, veered about in time, as she trusted, to accom- plish her purpose. COniiclooecl SS (SO