Weaker than a Woman — page 18: what you’re looking at

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

WEAKER THAN A WOMAN. 9 ton’s, for a nursery governess such as the doctor’s wife, — Mrs. Dalverley, had engaged, for a silk dress like the one that the rector’s wife wore. But of these desires she had never spoken. She knew that her husband did his best in every possible way, and gave her all the money that he could. But now she ventured for the first time to indulge in such blissful reveries. They were no longer idle dreams ; they would be realized. She would live in Vale House, that delightful residence—she would have a charming draw- ing-room, a nursery governess, and a costly silk dress. While she sat dreaming with a smile on her face her step-son, Felix, entered the room. There was the warmest attachment between these two—kindly liking and respect for his step-mother on his part, the highest admiration and the truest love fora step-son on hers. She was so young when Darcy Lonsdale brought her to the great white square house in Castle street, Lilford, that it seemed absurd for Felix to call her mother. As he grew older it appeared to him that, with her soft Italian beauty, the most suitable title for her was madre. He looked at her now. “ Madre,” he said, “you are looking very pleased and bright; what is the good news?” Mrs. Lonsdale went up to him and clasped her arms round his neck. She drew the handsome face down to hers. “Kiss me, Helix,” she said; “I have news to tell you— the best you have ever heard. I know you will be pleased —indeed the very thought of the news makes me tremble with joy. You could never guess it, Felix.”’ “T suppose I never could. Have any of the ‘small fry’ distinguished themselves ?” “No; it is nothing of that kind. It is this. You re- member Mrs. Hardman, of Woodburn 2” “IT should remember her, madre; some of the dreariest hours of my life have been spent in copying deeds bearing her name.’’ “My dear Felix, her name must be held blessed among us for evermore. She has left your father a legacy of six thousand pounds—and to us, my dear, that means so much. It means Vale House to live in, a governess for the chil- dren, and a partnership for you.’’ His handsome face flushed hotly. “ And that, madre—that means for me Violet Haye.”’ A tender light came into Kate Lonsdale’s clear eyes. “I hope so,” she said, gently; “I shall be so pleaged if it is s0. Now, Felix, people call money dross. Could you (e(@) (eo paylicel exe ol .<S