Page:Lady Anne Granard 3.pdf/126

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124
LADY ANNE GRANARD.

and declared a determination, when it was gone, never to allow its return.

"And in order to contribute your share to this good end, Helen, I desire you to go to bed for the three next nights, to eat your meals regularly, and let the page fetch you half a pint of beer, unless old Palmer happens to give you a glass of wine—you will see clearly I can spare none, for every body will drink the health of Lady Allerton in bumpers, and not ten to one pay the same compliment to Isabella, for the well-known wealth and talent of Glentworth brings him near to the rank of Lord Allerton. Now, my dear Helen, mind what you are about, and, depend upon it, you will do far better than either of your lucky sisters—I say nothing of Louisa; she has chosen her lot, and must abide by it."

"Ah! how happy a lot!" silently ejaculated Helen.

"You know, Helen, both you and Georgiana are delicately fair, with blue eyes and small pouting mouths, which yet, by smiling, shew your teeth, which are good. Girls like you should always smile and look cheerful; the graceful and interesting are unattainable to you; in my opinion, Georgiana looks shockingly, and I really give her up completely. If the sailor lives, he takes her; if he is dead, I think the old people will have her; and it may