A Heart's Bitterness — page 189: what you’re looking at

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

Mac A HEART’S BITTERNESS. } 181 ‘««She’s within,” said Magery, in a low voice. Violet, hoping almost against hope, buoyed up by Edna’s confident premises, had insisted upon rising early, and she was already sitting by the window, and arrayed in a pink cashmere morning-robe. | As her husband’s step crossed the humble threshold, she rose and beseechingly held out her slender white hands. Sweet enough she was, her pleading brown. eyes full of tears, the flushes flying swiftly over her artless, child-like face, the dark rings of her shining hair ruffled about her brow. She held her breath; she did not stir; she could not speak. Norman was moved in spite of himself by this young, gentle, much-wronged creature, who, by the most venial fault, was yet put in the position of a criminal. He held out both hands and took hers in a kind clasp. ‘“T am glad to find you safe and sound, child. Now you will come home with me?” <¢Qh, Norman! May I?” ; “Yes, certainly! What are you shaking so for, child? Sit down again. Home as soon as you like, of course.” And stooping as he placed her in a chair, he kissed her forehead. ‘‘ But, Norman, you wiil feel so embarrassed and ashamed of me that I ran away, and how to explain.” «“ Nonsense! Of course, it was the silliest performance in. the world, but no one knows of it. It is a dead secret, ex- cept to us two, Keith, Edna, and the two servants. Hvery one thinks you taking a rest in Sussex. We’ll go home and appear at a ball or two. And mind, you say you have had a lovely rest, and feel quite fresh.” ‘‘T will indeed, Norman. I feel better, and rested, truly. Oh, how good you are! I will try not to trouble you again.” = USS «‘T hope you will, Iam sure. Such a thing is a hideous bore; but, however, we'll say no mort aboutit. Hh, Kate, that you? Turned cook, and butler, and all? I’m glad to see breakfast, and to find your lady looking so well. Well — start home this evening if Lady Leigh feels able to travel. You’re not to hurt yourself, Violet, mind that. Your health — is very important now, you know.” Leigh thought he was behaving very well. Violet, in her deep humility and patience, had no. fault to find with him. Perhaps Keith and Edna would have Eomicbooks co ‘ z arid ; - ge . ies , ; ne * : . : ev 2 « ygiec wo Oe hs > at . we AN :