Gratia's Trials — page 91: what you’re looking at

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

82 GRATIA’S TRIALS. sure of that,” said Mrs. Falconer, tossing her head, while Al- berta still stood in speechless indignation and amazement. ‘¢Where is she?” asked Colonel Falconer. ‘With Ida, I suppose; the child seems bewitched to have her close at her side the whole time.” . ‘“Shows good taste,” dryly remarked Uncle Ralph. And when Gratia Kempfie!d closed her eyes that night it was no longer as the paid drudge, the penniless menial who was at every one’s beck and call, but as the adopted daughter of the wealthy and aristocratic Colonel Hugo Falconer, and little Ida’s cherished sister. ‘‘T am so glad, darling Gratia!” repeated the child, over and over. ‘‘I was always so lonesome without a sister, and now I’ve got one all to myself. Tell me, Gratia, aren't you glad?” Glad? Gratia hardly knew. As yet she was scarcely able to acknowledge -her own feelings. ‘““'Take time to consider, Gratia,” Colonel Falconer had kindly said to her. ‘‘ That you have no friends to consult I am well aware, and that is one reason I have concluded to take this step. Ida’s sister must give her whole heart and affection to Ida alone. Had you relatives or friends, I should never have adopted you,” The burning scarlet rushed to Gratia’s brow. She had been on the point of telling him about Raymond, but these words effectually sealed her lips. The time had not yet come for the redemption of her promise to her little brother, but this very circumstance might bring it nearer with a swifter flight. -**T need no time to consider, sir,” she said, in a low, tremu- lous voice. ‘‘1I cannot but rejoice to accept your kind offer, if indeed you think me worthy to be called Ida’s sister.” She spoke faintly and hesitatingly, and a sensation of remorse stung her heart. Was she deceiving Colonel Falconer? Was there a hidden treachery in her heart, unworthy of the noble nature which reposed such implicit trust in her? Surely not; 7? EGomichbooks- com