Vashti's Fate — page 72: what you’re looking at

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

r A ne got SEED SOWN IN GOOD GROUND. 67 of her lip, and a half defiant glance at Leon, who stood silent by the fire. ‘‘Always Aunt Margery. I am tired of hearing her quoted, and Iam glad this gloomy day is not to be made still gloomier by her frowning presence. ” ‘‘For shame! for shame!” exclaimed Nora and Frank ina breath. ‘‘What makes you talk so?” ‘““ Because I believe in telling the truth, thatis why. Aunt Margery vexes me to death. I don’t mean that I’m glad she’s sick. I hope I’m not, that is, and I dare say she’s not much sick; but I am glad of a chance of a day without her to order me around.” ! ‘‘You certainly do forget yourself,” said Nora, going close to her sister, and speaking low. ‘‘ You are behaving. very rudely to a gentleman who is our guest, and Aunt Margery’s cousin. ” Vashti colored slightly, and stepping a pace toward Leon, said, stiffly, loooking coldly at him with her haughty eyes: ‘“‘T beg your pardon, sir.” ‘“‘No, you don't,” he said, with a grave smile, and bending on her a look that covered her lace with burning blushes. She turned confusedly away, and took her seat at the breakfast-table. The meal was a rather silent one by com- mon consent. Vashti did not once lift her inky lashes during its progress, and her cheek still glowed when it was over. ‘She was the first to rise from the table, and stand- ing by her chair till Leon came near, she said, in a very subdued voice : ‘lam sorry Sie Sir.’ ‘‘T believe you,” he said, bending to kiss her hand with profound respect. She suffered him to do so, and more confused than be- fore, left the room. The trio remaining took seats around l = \ C (@) mi * | | e€om chooks