What Answer? by Anna E. Dickinson
page 42 of 250 (16%)
page 42 of 250 (16%)
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to mamma, and she says, bring her by all means,--and Mr. Ercildoune
gives his consent; so it is all settled." "Mr. Ercildoune! is there no Mrs. E.?" "None,--her mother died long ago; and her father has not been here, so I can't tell you anything about him. There: do you see that elegant-looking lady talking with Professor Hale? that is her aunt, Mrs. Lancaster. She is English, and is here only on a visit. She wants to take Francesca home with her in the spring, but I hope she won't." "Why, what is it to you?" "I am afraid she will stay, and then I shall never see her any more." "And why stay? do you fancy England so very fascinating?" "No, it is not that; but Francesca don't like America; she's forever saying something witty and sharp about our 'democratic institutions,' as she calls them; and, if you had looked this morning, you'd have seen that she didn't sing The Star-Spangled Banner with the rest of us. Her voice is splendid, and Professor Hale wanted her to lead, as she often does, but she wouldn't sing that, she said,--no, not for anything; and though we all begged, she refused,--flat." "Shocking! what total depravity! I wonder is she converting Surrey to her heresies." No, she wasn't; not unless silence is more potent than words; for after they had danced together Surrey brought her to one of the great windows |
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