"
For a moment Mrs. Leland seemed to be silently musing; then she said, "I
withdraw my request, Evelyn. I have decided upon new plans for myself,
and should prefer to have you go with your uncle. You needn't look hurt,
child; I'm sure it is what you have seemed to desire."
"Mamma," said the little girl, going up to her, standing by the side of
her easy-chair, and gazing down beseechingly into her eyes, "why will you
persist in speaking so doubtfully of my love for you? It hurts me, mamma;
it almost breaks my heart; especially now that you are all I have left."
"Well there, you need not fret; of course I know you must have some
natural affection for your mother," returned Laura carelessly.
"Here, sit down on this stool at my feet, and you shall hear about my
change of plans.
"Mrs. Lang called to tell me they are going to Europe--will sail in a
fortnight--and to ask me to accompany them; and I have accepted the
invitation. You were included in it also, but I shall have less care if I
leave you behind; and though I have always intended that you should have
the trip some day, I think it much the wiser plan to defer it for a few
years till you are old enough to appreciate and make the best use of all
its advantages.
Pages:
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72