Gratia's Trials — page 202: what you’re looking at

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

GRATIA’S TRIALS. 193 For an instant Gratia sat perfectly still, her heart throbbing tumultuously. | _ Then, resolving to face whatever fate might be in store, she rose, and putting aside the draperies which had hitherto shielded her from observation, crossed the room, and passed through the door opposite, in full view of Alberta Falconer’s observant eyes. The instant the door closed behind her retreating figure, Miss Falconer threw up her hands with a gesture of horror and amazement. ‘* My dear Miss Melworth,” she exclaimed, in a faint voice, ‘* Do you know who that girl is?” ‘*It is my companion, Gratia Kempfield,” Alicia answered, with wide-open eyes of surprise; ‘‘a charming young person.” Mrs, and Miss Falconer exchanged looks of dismay. ‘‘Tt cannot be possible that she had thus ventured to impose upon people. She would not dare” cried the elder lady. ‘‘T am at a loss to comprehend you, madam,” said Alicia, with dignity. | ‘‘My dear young lady,” began Mrs. Falconer, with a tender air of maternal concern, ‘‘I am sure you cannot be aware what a poisonous asp you are cherishing in your bosom.” ‘‘What can you mean, Mrs. Falconer?” demanded Alicia, beginning to be alarmed. a: -. That girl—that Gratia Kempfield,” began Mrs. Falconer, Le 1 ee ‘ ‘<A murderess/” hissed out Alberta, completing her mother’s sentence, in an awe-stricken whisper. ‘“It isimpossible !” cried Alicia, growing very pale. **Tt is not only possible, but it is /rve, as I can prove to you by creditable witnesses,” asserted Mrs. Falconer. ‘‘ My dear, it makes me tremble to think to what hideous dangers you have been exposed. Do not keep her under your roof for another day, if you value your own life and the lives of those around 7? you. Eomicbooks:.co