Gratia's Trials — page 106: what you’re looking at

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

GRATIA’S TRIALS. 97 higher as to turn her silly head; and my advice is to restore her to her natural sphere. I would counsel! that she be taught dressmaking, millinery, photograph-coloring, or some other good trade. She might even become a tolerable nursery gov- erness, with a little training.” ‘*T don’t doubt it,” said Uncle Ralph. ‘‘Or a companion to some respectable elderly lady.” ‘*To be sure. I knew you would see it in this light,” said Mrs. Falconer, much relieved. ‘‘ You see, I lack the proper authority to act in opposition to Hugo’s wishes; but as the house is yours ts ‘‘Certainly—of course,” said Uncle Ralph, laying down the paper-cutter. ‘‘ You wish me to interfere.” ‘That is exactly it.” ‘*Very well,” said Mr. Miller. ‘‘I will speak to Gratia.” ‘Thank you, brother,” said Mrs. Falconer, trying to con- ceal her elation by a studied softness of manner. ‘‘ And per- haps you had better act as promptly as possible, for ‘ ‘‘Ves, yes,” said Uncle Ralph. ‘‘I see. No time shall be lost.” Mrs. Falconer’s rich silk dress had scarcely rustled away down stairs, before another step sounded on the threshold-— that of Bob Falconer. ‘‘T won't keep you long,” began Bob, nervously. ‘‘ The fact is, uncle, I—I only want to ask you if you could accom- modate me with a little loan, just for a day or two.” ‘¢ Another little loan?” echoed his uncle, with a meaning accent on the first word. ‘‘You see, Uncle Ralphy there are so many expenses com- ing on a young fellow about town,” he pleaded, ‘‘and when a man has no settled income, and is in no busi- 3? ness ‘¢ And whose fault is it that you are in no business?” said Uncle Ralph, rather shortly. ‘‘I am sure I have tried often enough to induce you to give up this miserable, indolent life Gomicbooks (Ee) m