And has Miss Grosvenor suffered the ill-will of this
cruel, cruel woman, and never lisped a word but should lead others to
respect her? Noble girl that she is! thrice noble have these very evil
designings proved her! 'Tis useless for intrigue to cope with purity."
"And she bade you come and see for yourself. What meaning is there in
that?" asked Winnie; for surely such an act would go to prove her
innocence."
"If Mrs. Santon can stoop to the deed, which fortunately has been
disclosed in time to prevent the affair from coming to Miss Grosvenor's
knowledge, she would not hesitate to do a meaner thing, favorable to the
furtherance of her plans; and it is my opinion there is more to be
learned in regard to this matter. I will foil her by following her own
advice, and at the appointed hour will station myself as desired, not as
a spy upon her ways, but that I may sift this affair to the bottom."
Accordingly, at the hour which Mrs. Santon had mentioned, Mr. Delwood's
summons were answered by the mistress of the mansion in person, who
smilingly drew him to the conservatory, which overlooked the
drawing-room, where he could, unobserved by any one, notice every
movement of her whose very being was dearer than his own.
Pages:
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211