Gratia's Trials — page 104: what you’re looking at

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

GRATIA’S TRIALS. 95 shoulders, as she noted Gratia’s diligence. ‘‘ I suppose you are preparing yourself for a governess.” Gratia smiled. She was learning not easily to be annoyed. ‘‘’There is no harm in being prepared for any situation in this world,” she said, quietly. ‘‘Tt's no such thing!” cried Ida, indignantly. ‘‘She’s not going to be a governess. She's to stay and be my Gratia.” And even Alberta could not find it in her heart to check the child. In spite of Long Branch and sea-bathing, in spite of con- stant watching and the benefit of the best medical advice that New York could afford, Ida’s health was visibly failing. There was no positive ailment, but her mother had fallen a victim to consumption, and it was but too evident that the beautiful child had inherited the seeds of the fell disease. There was nothing to warrant recalling her father from Europe, yet every one felt as if little Ida was but a sojourner in their midst for a time—no one could say how brief. But in proportion to” Ida’s devotion, the antipathy of Mrs. Falconer and Alberta seemed to increase, and Mrs. Falconer determined, as she expressed it, that ‘‘Gratia shall queen it over us no longer. I shall speak to my brother.” ‘‘Do, mamma,” urged Alberta; ‘‘and let it be at once. New Year's Day comes very soon ; and, tolerant though we all are of my uncle’s wishes, I do not think I can bring myself to receive my friends, with that simpering girl beside me.” That very evening Mrs. Falconer sought her brother in his library, after dinner, a time when she well knew he would most likel¥ be at leisure. Mr. Miller was sitting in an easy-chair, his legs comfortably stretched out before the fire, and his slippered feet crossed, while a newspaper lay in his lap. He was not reading, however, as his sister entered the room—only meditating. ‘‘T am glad youare alone, Ralph,” said his sister ; ‘‘I wanted to have a conversation with you.” Comicbooks (E(0)