"
With these plans matured, she ushered herself into Delwood's presence,
and in her blandest manner made him welcome, initiating herself as far
as possible into his good opinion, which was no difficult task, inasmuch
as he had been accustomed to look upon a character so spotless, that he
was not prepared for the detestable machinations of one who was not
worthy the name of woman. It had been far from the Sea-flower to breathe
a suspicion that there was aught amiss in the character of the
flattering mistress of Santon Mansion. Her high esteem for Mr. Santon
had not permitted her to speak of the sad change, even to her mother.
"My dear," said Mrs. Santon, turning to Natalie, "in the pleasure which
we must ever find in Mr. Delwood's society, you have forgotten your
engagement with the destitute family, which you have taken under your
especial charge, and poor Mrs. Brown's child is so ill, I fear a few
hours' delay in taking the necessary restoratives recommended by our
physician, may cause the poor thing to suffer; I would despatch an
attendant, but I fear there may be some mistake made, and I know your
very presence will impart comfort to the poor woman.
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