The Widowed Bride — page 103: what you’re looking at

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

94 ‘THE WIDOWED BRIDE. was committed within the domains of Glenhampton Park. My father considers her as a sort of sacred charge be- queathed to his care and protection. But the most startling coincidence of it all is what I began to tell you, when we were driving in, and Pearlie jumped so unceremoniously into my lap—that Mr. Hunsworth was murdered on the same night that the lodge burned down.” ‘Do you suppose there could have been any connection between the two events?” asked Rena. ‘‘I believe it was thought not, at the time; but the whole thing was enwrapped in so much mystery, that nothing could be clearly made out. ‘There is mamma calling us; she thinks we have been out long enough with the fire-flies and the deer. You must play for mamma, Rena, when we go in; she is passionately fond of music.” At Lady Blanche’s request, Rena went at once to the piano, where they joined Lady Glenhampton and Miss Clive in the drawing-room, and played some of Beethoven’s grandest music with a brilliancy of execution and delicacy of touch that surprised the countess, who had looked for nothing more than the ordinary proficiency of a school- girl. ‘“‘Well, mamma,” cried Lady Blanche, triumphantly, when Rena had been warmly thanked for her music, and had retired to her own rooms to seek the slumber she so much needed, ‘‘what do you think of my friend, Rena Per- | cival? Isn’t she all that I represented her?” ‘She’s very beautiful, my love, and very attractive,” — answered Lady Glenhampton, ‘‘and she will prove a charm- ing companion for you, [have no doubt. What do you say, Antonia?” turning to Miss Clive, who sat motionless by the piano. : ‘‘T like her looks,” said Miss Clive, quietly. ‘There is something of a resemblance between her and Blanche. Did not you perceive it, Edith?’ : Lady Glenhampton smiled with a little complacent superiority. ‘They are both dark complexioned, and nearly of a height, that isall. I scarcely think that any one would discover a genuine likeness between this young girl, who is destined one day to earn her own living, in a subordinate capacity, and Lord Glenhampton’s only daughter,” | | -comicbooks.com —