Gratia's Trials — page 190: what you’re looking at

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

GRATIA’S TRIALS, | 181 Mrs. Hopwith. Humble and untitled though she was, there was enough of the American spirit about her to feel that she was yet Miss Alicia Melworth’s equal in everything, except the accident of birth. ' ‘*So you are Hopwith’s new profegee, of whom we have all heard so much,” said Miss Melworth, in a tone so frankly good humored as at once to neutralize the sting in Gratia’s heart. ‘Why, you are very pretty !” She spoke innocently, as she might have spoken of a picture or a flower, or a piece of emblazoned sunset sky. Gratia smiled and colored, and unconsciously looked prettier than ever. ‘*Do you think you could do my hair?” demanded the young patricienne, with pretty imperativeness. “Ves,” ‘©That is bravely spoken !” said Miss Melworth, sitting up, and pointing to a low toilet-chair which Mrs. Hopwith hastened to bring her. »‘‘ You may try it, although I warn you I am terribly hard to please.” ‘‘T am not afraid of failure,” said Gratia. ‘‘ May I begin at once?” ‘*At once; and, Hopwith, don’t stand staring at her; you will make the poor thing nervous.” ‘*No, she will not,” said Gratia, as she selected a pearl-backed brush from the dressing-case on the table, and began skillfully manipulating the long, shining tresses. ‘*How nicely you handle it!” said Alicia, nestling back against the chair, ‘‘ Your hands are like velvet, and you dont pull a hair the wrong way.” ‘‘There, Miss Melworth,” said Gratia, composedly, handing the young heiress a hand-glass as she completed her task ; ‘Show do you like that ?” Alicia uttered an exclamation of delighted admiration. ‘‘Charming! perfect!” she exclaimed. ‘‘ Marguerite herself never made it look half so beautiful and abundant, And you Gomichbooks’ co im