Abbeychurch by Charlotte Mary Yonge
page 71 of 303 (23%)
page 71 of 303 (23%)
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They were surprised on coming in to find Helen sitting on the last step of the stairs, with Dora on her lap, the latter crying bitterly, and Helen using all those means of consolation, which, with the best intention, have generally the effect of making matters worse. As soon as Elizabeth appeared, Dora sprang towards her, exclaiming, 'Lizzie, dear Lizzie, do you know, Aunt Hazleby says that my mamma is not your mamma, nor Kate's, nor Helen's, and I do not like it. What does she mean? Lizzie, I do not understand.' Elizabeth looked up rather fiercely; but, kissing her little sister, said, gently, 'Yes, Dora, it is really true, my own mother lies in the churchyard. I will shew you where.' 'And are you, not my sisters?' asked Dora, holding firmly by the hands of Elizabeth, and Helen. 'Oh yes, yes, Dora!' cried Helen, 'we are your sisters, only not quite, the same as Winifred.' 'And have you no mamma, really no mamma?' continued Dora looking frightened, although soothed by Elizabeth's manner, and by feeling that the truth was really told her. 'Not really, Dora; but your mamma is quite the same to us as if she really was our mother,' said. Elizabeth, leading the little girl away, and leaving Anne and Helen looking unutterable things at each other. Helen then went into the large, drawing-room, to fetch some, of her |
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