Page:Lady Anne Granard 1.pdf/199

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194
LADY ANNE GRANARD.

immediately after performing the ceremony of that marriage in high life mentioned above, his lordship set out for the palace at Chichester; but it was much doubted, by his lordship's friends and attendants, whether he would arrive there in life."

"I hope he will not." exclaimed Lady Anne, "for it is a relief to know she was married by a proper person, and undoubtedly old Chichester was a gentleman, and it will be always thought he killed himself by making an exertion due to my family—not but the whole affair may be a story got up to please my brother. One part of it is a lie, we are certain—she had no lovely sisters, nor unlovely ones either, for both Mary and Isabella are broiling on the Mediterranean sea."

Georgiana looked at Helen, who sprang forward and took her hand, when both dropped on their knees before their mother, and, with eyes full of tears, looked timidly towards her—both found great difficulty in speaking, yet they were equally sensible that they ought to do so, and that now was their time, for the Bishop had certainly half-exorcised the evil spirit which had so lately possessed her ladyship. Georgiana therefore began.

"We were so fond of Louisa, mamma."

"She loved us so very dearly," sighed Helen.

"And to have no mamma, no sister, no natural friend."

"At such an awful time!" echoed Helen.