Your pardon, noble lady!

My friends were poor but honest--so is my love;

Be not offended, for it hurts him not

That he is loved of me. My dearest madam,

Let not your hate encounter with my love

For loving where you do.

--Shakspere.

The poor sisters had just finished their afternoon meal, cleaned their

room, and settled themselves to their evening's work. Nora was spinning

gayly, Hannah weaving diligently--the whir of Nora's wheel keeping time

to the clatter of Hannah's loom, when the latch was lifted and Herman

Brudenell, bringing a brace of hares in his hand, entered the hut.

"There, Hannah, those are prime! I just dropped in to leave them, and to

say that it is certain my mother leaves for Washington on Saturday. On

Sunday morning I shall bring my wife home; and you, too, Hannah; for if

you will not consent to live with us, you must still stop with us until

you and Gray are married and ready to go to the West," he said, throwing

the game upon the table, and shaking hands with the sisters. His face

was glowing from exercise, and his eyes sparkling with joy.

"Sit down, Mr. Brudenell," said Hannah hospitably.

The young man hesitated, and a look of droll perplexity passed over his

face as he said: "Now don't tempt me, Hannah, my dear; don't ask me to stop this evening;

and don't even let me do so if I wish to. You see I promised my mother

to be home in time to meet some friends at dinner, and I am late now!

Good-by, sister; good-by, sweet wife! Sunday morning, Mrs. Herman

Brudenell, you will take the head of your own table at Brudenell Hall!"

And giving Hannah a cordial shake of the hand, and Nora a warm kiss, he

hurried from the hut.

When he had closed the door behind him, the sisters looked at each

other.

"Think of it, Hannah! This is Thursday, and he says that he will take us

home on Sunday--in three days! Hannah, do you know I never before

believed that this would be! I always thought that to be acknowledged as

the wife of Herman Brudenell--placed at the head of his establishment,

settled in that magnificent house, with superb furniture and splendid

dresses, and costly jewels, and carriages, and horses, and servants to

attend me, and to be called Mrs. Brudenell of Brudenell Hall, and

visited by the old country families--was a great deal too much

happiness, and prosperity, and glory for poor me!"

"Do you believe it now?" inquired Hannah thoughtfully.




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024