Witch Hazel; or, The Secret of the Locket — page 142: what you’re looking at

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

“Ah! that is a fine institution, 1am told, and you have done well to complete the course so early.” He began to think the young lady must be very clever, a8 well as beautiful and noble-minded. The conversation thus drifted away from Perey and he was not mentioned again, and though Hazel would have been glad to know more about Helena Stewart’s illness in connection with which he had proved himself so skillful, yet she could not bring herself to inqnire about him. When their appetites were appeased, Hazel said she thought they ought to return to Crescent Villa, lest Mrs. Stewart should become alarmed at their long absence, especially as, with the aid of a glass, she would be able to see their empty boat, and thus be led to imagine that something had happened to them. Mr. Harwood said he only awaited their eommands and rising, led the way to his boat. Half an hour later they were safely landed at the foot of their own grounds, while he promised to see that their boat was returned as soon as the tide would permit. ‘‘Don't tell mamma,” Belle pleaded. as they drew near the house, ‘‘shell imagine we've been in mis chief, and will not allow us to again go out alone.” Hazel turned and looked fullinto the young girl's eyes. “My dear Belle, [ hope that you will tell her at once yourself,” she said, quietly. “Indeed, I shall not; I’ve learned wisdom from ex- perience. I’ve had too many good times stopped by trying to be conscientious,” Belle retorted, with con- siderable feeling, ape cuel neve to,” said Here, gravely. “Don't, there’s a dear; we’ve done ng harm, } Harwood will bring the boat back, ond ae ee Oa