[Homestead on the Hillside by Mary Jane Holmes]@TWC D-Link book
Homestead on the Hillside

CHAPTER III
5/7

For a time all was still, and then a little modest girl, Lily Gordon, her face blushing crimson, said: "I beg your pardon, monsieur, but haven't you taught music ?" The veins in his forehead swelled, as, darting a wrathful look at poor Lily, he exclaimed, "_Le Diabel!_ vat vous take me for?
Von dem musique teacher, eh ?" Poor Lily tried to stammer her apologies, while Carrie sought to soothe the enraged Frenchman by saying, that "Miss Gordon was merely complimenting his skill in music." At this point the carriage which carried persons to and from the depot drove up, and from it alighted a very small, genteel-looking lady, who rapped at the door and asked, "if Captain Howard lived there." In a moment Carrie was half-stifling her with kisses, exclaiming, "Dear Agnes, this is a pleasant surprise.

I did not expect you so soon." The lady called Agnes was introduced as Miss Hovey, a schoolmate of Carrie's.

She seemed very much disposed to make herself at home, for, throwing her hat in one place and her shawl in another, she seated herself at the piano, hastily running over a few notes; then with a gesture of impatience, she said, "Oh, horrid! a few more such sounds would give me the vapors for a month; why don't you have it tuned ?" Ere Carrie could reply Agnes' eyes lighted upon Penoyer, who, either with or without design, had drawn himself as closely into a corner as he well could.

Springing up, she brought her little hands together with energy, exclaiming, "Now, Heaven defend me, what fresh game brought you here ?" Then casting on Carrie an angry glance, she said, in a low tone, "What does it mean?
Why didn't you tell me ?" Carrie drew nearer, and said coaxingly, "I didn't expect you so soon; but never mind, he leaves to-morrow.

For my sake treat him decently." The pressure which Agnes gave Carrie's hand seemed to say, "For your sake I will, but for no other." Then turning to Penoyer, who had risen to his feet, she said, respectfully, "I hardly expected to meet you here, sir." Her tone and manner had changed.


<<Back  Index  Next>>

D-Link book Top

TWC mobile books