Page:Lady Anne Granard 3.pdf/250

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
248
LADY ANNE GRANARD.

giana, in consideration of her journey, and Helen, of her late indisposition; but it was done at the express request of Mrs. Palmer, whom it would not be wise to deny, since she brought her housemaid to share the cares of the nurse, and because the invalid had made up her mind to turn a deaf ear to all possible hints on the liquidation of the latest debt. "They managed me once, but shall never do it again—never!"

With very different feelings did her liberated daughters mutually give and receive those sweet communications which were to them the life of life; so much had they to hear and to tell, that, despite of fatigue, sleep fled; but neither were sorry, since it not only enabled them to hear of things which laid up a store of pleasant thoughts on which many a gloomy hour might lean for comfort, but also to step down from time to time, and see how the long night waned away with their languishing parent. Her present state proved Helen's words were right, that a few hours of irritability had done her good, for she had slept well, and was free from cough and fever, therefore, they also could sleep in peace.

The following morning, Mr. and Mrs. Penrhyn came early, the gentleman to bid adieu, as he was