Vashti's Fate — page 81: what you’re looking at

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

é 76 SEED SOWN IN GOOD GROUND. why Miss Dale doesn’t come, or praises her extravagantly, I wouldn’t make any reply, if I were you, at least nota tantalizing one.” | Nora’s head dropped again, as she said, meekly, ‘‘ Yes, sir.” She remembered how the night before she had vexed Vashti terribly with an expression of her dislike for Miss Dale. : ‘Tt is these little transgressions,” he continued, “that weaken the walls, so that when the enemy make a grand rush, they give way, and before you know it you are gone. There, now, I have read you quite a lecture,” he said, gayly. ‘‘I think you and I need a little exercise, Nora ; how shall we get it? I don’t believe two or three turns down that road would hurt us, if it does rain. What do you say? Yes? Well, run and get a cloak and some thick shoes. No umbrella, mind you; we cant be cum- bered with one.” : She skipped away, and was back again in no time, bringing also his overcoat and cap. : They had a fine run, and came in just in time to get rested before dinner, which was also set in the sitting- room. Vashti and Frank were already there, looking quite the reverse of cheerful. Both glanced with a sur- prised air at Leon’s and Nora’s flushed cheeks and radiant eyes as they came in, laughing and chatting. Their good spirits proved contagious, and before dinner was over Frank was telling with infinite gusto about a hunting expedition of his on just such a day as this, and Vashti had twice curved her lips into the faint, sweet smile that transfigured her face, as moonlight does the plainest features. After dinner, Leon paced to and fro across the room, Frank and Nora at either side, and Vashti standing in the ‘ tS aoe ¥ , at ( panled be. Ate WE) Cee at SF re « ” >” seen ae ee Me ed Fe « & a? Te" Ft |