The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 280: what you’re looking at

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

TH! FREEMASONS DAUGHTER. 373 your charge: but really, Miss Lawrence’s refusal of my protection has been so strange, that I must decline all further interference in her welfare.” Poor Amy both looked and felt very much distressed at the ungenerous colouring given to her refusal. Tears started to her eyes—she dared not trust herself to speak ; but her companion and friend laboured under no such diffidence. Mary Heartland undertook to reply for her. ‘“‘ Really, madam, you speak as if Miss Lawrence was compelled to return with you to Manchester, and accept your, no doubt, well-intentioned invitation. You forget this is the first time she has ever seen you; and some dispositions shrink from violent and sudden friend- | ships.” ‘‘ You must not be angry with her,” said Mr. Bowles, kindly drawing Amy to him ; “ her spirits have received a shock. She does not feel disposed to leave her home. And even if she did,” he added, “I should not feel disposed to part with her. Perhaps on some future occasion.” | ** No doubt,”’ said Mrs. Small, eagerly seizing on the imphed promise. ‘ Poor child! I am sure I feel for her distressed and sad condition; and naturally felt hurt that my wish to serve her should be so coldly responded to. In a short time I will call again: we shall understand each other better then. Amy, I am sure, will never repel kindness with ingratitude.” ‘¢ That I'll answer for,” replied the master of the house. VOL. I. T SS (SO COMME DOC!