Witch Hazel; or, The Secret of the Locket — page 319: what you’re looking at

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

lieve, in her beart, she was sorry for me, but was in- fluenced against me by Helena, who has seemed to dislike me from the very first, for some reason that I do not urderstand.”’ Mrs. Earlescourt smiled as she thought she could understand why Helena Stewart had taken a strong dislike to the lovely girl. She had been repelled by Miss Stewart at almost their first meeting, for, by some occult power, she had discerned her true char- acter beneath her mask of smiles and sweetness, and now she felt sure thather dislike of Hazel wags caused by @ 8elfish jealousy of one who was 80 beautiful and attractive. “It is very, very strange what has become of Mrs. Stewart's necklace,” Hazel continued, musingly. ‘I cannot conceive how any one could have possibly entered her room and taken it. Iam very sorry for Sipe a and I would do a great deal to help her to nd it.’ “You are very forgiving, my Hazel, when she re- fured you even the shelter of her home,” said her mother, kissing her fondly. “But, mamina, she was really very kind to me be- fore that, making me almost like one of the family, and allowing me to go into company with Belle, as you know. TIudeed, but for this recent trouble, I have been very happy here at Brighton, and [ shall always love the place,” Hazel returned, freely for- giving her enemies, and looking upon the bright side of the picture as it was her nature to do. “But, of course, you will cometo me at once, my darling; you are my eldest daughter, and as such must now take your proper position in society, Your proper name ls Miss Graham; how did you happen to be called Miss Gay?” Mrs, Barlescoyythdyanirad, with sudden curiosity.