A Heart's Bitterness — page 109: what you’re looking at

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A HEART’S BITTERNESS. — 908 overcame her, and drove her from the gay group, and brought the ready tears. _ Grace Fanshaw found her thus in the conservatory, stand- ing in the tropic warmth of the orchid house, the marvel- ous, many-colored flowers blooming about her, splendid but | scentless; and forced as her own life. Grace clasped her about the waist. ‘“ Darling Violet, why are these tears in your eyes?” Violet broke from her, and ran into the next compart- ment. Grace followed her, and knelt before her, clasping her arms about her again. “** Violet, tell me, are you happy?” But Violet caught great clusters of Jacqueminot and Rothschild roses and showered the vivid, fragrant petals over her kneeling friend, with a burst of laughter; then ran into the music-room and played Strauss’ waltzes in a dash- ing, wild way, very different from the dreamy sweetness of her usual playing. And all that day she was very merry . and bright among her friends. Grace Fanshaw forgot her fears, and was the liveliest of the group. After dinner she went out into the garden to get lilies with dew on them, ‘‘ to improve her beauty,” she said; ‘‘she was such a late sleeper, it was hopeless for her to think of getting morning dews.” When she came in, her charming little Psyche head, with its rings of yellow hair, was shining with dew. * “Oh, mamma,” she cried, ‘‘ feel my head!” and, bending graciously, she extended the pretty pate to the maternal touch. ** Violet, feel my head, how wet itis. Mrs, Ains- lie? I cannot leave you out of such a treat.” She was passing Lord Leigh, and full of mischief, she bowed the round-ringed crown before him. ‘“ You, too, my lord. | ) | With a laugh, he laid his fingers on the wet locks. His smile was full of admiration—as who could help admiring this fantastic, charming creature? Mrs. Ainslie suddenly awoke to a foolish fear. She went to Violet’s room that night, and said, anxiously: ‘“Why do you have that pretty, gay Grace here? I be- lieve she is trying to flirt with your husband. You must look more to him, Violet. I’m sure he is getting in love with some one.” “Not getting?” said Violet, turning white. <‘‘It is done, Gomicbooks.co