Page:Authors daughter v1.djvu/290

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286
THE AUTHOR’S DAUGHTER.

released from his close attendance on his grandfather was likely to come to Stanmore to reside. But some time elapsed before this took place, and the estate was managed by an agent as before. No new arrangements were made with the tenants, and Mr. Copeland hoped to continue at Millmount for the remainder of his life.

But on one Sunday, Jessie was surprised by seeing the Squire's pew, so long empty, filled by a young gentleman and lady and a middle-aged lady. She looked eagerly for a likeness to Amy Staunton, but there was not the slightest resemblance in either of the young faces to her dear little friend. They might be strangers—she looked questionineg at George. "Mr. Anthony and Miss Edith, and their aunt, Miss Derrick," he whispered to her.

The Derricks were accustomed to be looked at when in church as the most important persons there, so they saw nothing remarkable in the repeated glances which George and Jessie Copeland directed towards them. Jessie 'could not ascertain whether she liked their appearance or not, there was a heavy look about the brows, and an expression round the mouth that suggested something of bad temper; but, to be sure, the faces were not animated by conversation, and the deep mourning worn by the ladies was severe