Gratia's Trials — page 88: what you’re looking at

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

GRATIA’S TRIALS. 79 ‘*So very embarrassing,” said she, fanning herself, and out of breath from the vehemence with which she had spoken. ‘‘T do not see it at all,” said Mr. Miller, coolly. ‘‘If Ida was determined she should go, I do not suppose it would have hurt Alberta to remain at home, for once.” ‘‘And you do not think Gratia to blame ?” ‘*Not at all.” ‘‘Oh, if /hafis the way you are going to take it,” said Mrs, Falconer, angrily, then it is no use in talking further. My re- monsirances are quite thrown away, and Ida’s nurse is to have everything her own way.” ‘*T never thought she was at all inclined to presume,” said Colonel Falconer, dryly. ‘‘Of course not,” said his mother, fanning herself more energetically than ever. ‘‘ There was a time, once, when my opinion was of some value in the family.” ‘¢ And there still is, mother, I hope,” said Colonel Falconer,®@ good-humoredly. ‘‘ But a ‘‘ But,” interposed Mr. Miller, ‘‘ you don’t ask Hugo what news he brings?” ‘‘News?” echoed Mrs. Falconer. ‘‘ What do you mean, Ralph ?” | ‘Only that Hugo is going to Europe next week.” ‘“‘To Europe? ‘To stay there ?” Mrs. Falconer had forgotten all her grievance in this astound- ing morsel of information. ‘For months, if not for years,” said her son, quietly. ‘‘I have anticipated this move for some time, and our business at last renders it necessary that either Uncle Ralph or I should go. I am the younger person of the two, so to my lotit falls. 1 shall start on Tuesday next.” Mrs. Falconer sat breathless and astonished. ‘¢ And Ida?” ‘¢Ida will remain with you and Alberta for the present, at least. The allowance I shall make her will, I trust, help you Eomicbooks: co m