A Heart's Bitterness — page 154: what you’re looking at

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

‘ ; sf ' 7, ae : ee af “| 146 A HEART'S BITTERNESS. When nearly all the guests were gathered, how could __ hostess or guests know that a tall, elegant figure, dressed for Reade’s ‘‘ Yellow Masque,” had not come in at the guests’ entrance, but had stolen down from the upper re- gions of the house—was, in fact, the governess, Helen Hope? . Norman Leigh knew her well enough, as her voice fell on his ear. Norman, I must, I will see you alone!” ‘In Heaven’s name! how came you here?” Never mind. I shall be, on Friday night, at Lady Nor- folk’s ‘ Fern Fantasie,’ and I will see you in the conserva- tory. Wear this on your shoulder, and meet me, or I will ruin you!” | She handed him a tiny box, and went away. CHAPTER XXXVII. ‘THE FERN FANTASIE. ” _. The Countess of Norfolk was a woman of great genius, kind heart, and lofty reputation. - She was also given to the most extravagant whims—had always some new mania of the hour—and was royally lavish in expenditure. For three years ferns had been the great passion of the Countess os of Norfolk. Her fernery had become celebrated in all Eng- land—we may say in the world—for she received new ferns frome the four quarters of the globe, and botanists came from many lands to study her treasures. The countess never gave but two great entertainments in _aseason, but each of these was expected to be a theme of wonder and helpless envy and admiration. She had discov- _ vered an entirely new variety of fete for this season, and called it a ‘‘ fern fantasie.” To this entertainment Anna Ainslie had received a card, through the intercession of Violet, who was a great favorite | - with the countess. But Anna had also received an invitation to a party given by Captain Gore’s sister, with whom she had formed a close acquaintance. This she had confided to _ Helen, and Helen had arranged that she herself should claim Mrs. Watson’s invitation, and that, leaving the house ‘to- gether, she and Anna should privately change costumes, > Gomicbooks (e(0)