Will you look at the paper I hold?"
Dudley Venner took the account and read it through, without changing a
feature. Then he turned to Silas Peckham.
"You may make arrangements for a new assistant in the branches this lady
has taught. Miss Helen Darley is to be my wife. I had hoped to have
announced this news in a less abrupt and ungraceful manner. But I came
to tell you with my own lips what you would have learned before evening
from my friends in the village."
Mr. Bernard went to Helen, who stood silent, with downcast eyes, and took
her hand warmly, hoping she might find all the happiness she deserved.
Then he turned to Dudley Venner, and said, "She is a queen, but has never
found it out. The world has nothing nobler than this dear woman, whom
you have discovered in the disguise of a teacher. God bless her and
you!"
Dudley Venner returned his friendly grasp, without answering a word in
articulate speech.
Silas remained dumb and aghast for a brief space. Coming to himself a
little, he thought there might have been some mistake about the
items,--would like to have Miss barley's bill returned,--would make it
all right,--had no idee that Squire Venner had a special int'rest in Miss
barley,--was sorry he had given offence,--if he might take that bill and
look it over--
"No.
Pages:
667
668
669
670
671
672
673
674
675
676
677
678
679
680
681
682
683
684
685
686
687
688
689
690
691