The Argosy — page 177: what you’re looking at

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

Edina. 163 “You thought, I am sure, I might have come back to help you get away from Eagles’ Nest, Mary, but I could not: I had too much to do here,” explained Edina. “I find there is an opening in this neighbour- hood for a school, and I also found this house, that is so suitable for one, to let. I took it, and with Frank’s help furnished it, plainly as you see; and then I went about amid the neighbours, and put an adver- tisement or two in the papers, asking for pupils. Two boarders, sisters, ; Will enter to-morrow ; two more on Monday next, and five day pupils. This is not so bad a beginning, and I daresay others will drop in. I feel sure you will succeed; that you and Alice may get a very good school together in time: and I hope Heaven will bless and prosper ou.” ” Mrs. Raynor was looking up from the wooden chair in her rather helpless manner. ‘“I—TI don’t understand, Edina. Did you buy the furniture, or did Frank?” “Not Frank, poor fellow: he has need of help himself. Be at ease, Mary: I bought it, and I have made it over to you by a deed of gift. The house is taken in your name, and I am responsible for the first half year’s rent.” ““Oh, Edina! But I thought you had no money—save the poor small income Dr. Raynor secured to you.” “Please don’t you disparage my income,” said Edina gaily. “It is fifty pounds a year: quite enough for me. As to the money, I hada hundred pounds or two by me that my dear. father secured to me over and above the income. In laying it out for you and yours in this your need, Mary, I think it is well spent.” “And we used to call Edina mean and stingy!” thought Mrs. Raynor in her repentant heart. “At least, Charles and Alice did.” With the next week, all the expected pupils had entered; four boarders and five day pupils. Another day pupil, not expected, made six. It was a very good opening, affording hope of ultimate success. ““What do you think of it, Charley?” asked Mrs, Raynor on the third evening, as they sat together after the little boarders and Kate and Robert were in bed, Edina being out. “ Oh, I think it’s first-rate,” answered Charley, half seriously, half mockingly. ‘You and Alice will be making a fortune.” The remark did not please Alice. She, at least, was not reconciled to the new home and the duties. “ You may think it first-rate,” she retorted on n Charles, “Tt is widely different from Eagles’ Nest. We were gentlepeople there; we are poor school-keepers here.” Charley made no remark. The very name of Eagles’ Nest would give him a turn. “ And it is nothing but work all day,” went on Alice. ..‘‘ Lessons this hour, music that, writing next. Oh, it is wearisome”! . ; comniclbooks.com