Her son, of
course, would not desert her in any case just now but being still
under age, must submit himself to her immediate guardianship,
therefore, young woman, if you have any particular friends or
relatives of your own whom you would like to visit for an indefinite
time, we beg that you notify them and prepare yourself as soon as
possible. It is Mrs. Hampden's desire that the furniture be disposed
of for safe-keeping, and the house carefully locked and secured before
her departure; I trust, therefore, that you will not delay in
considering the subject, and that you will kindly submit your decision
to us as soon as possible."
There was a dead silence for a few moments after this eloquent
address.
"Is that all?" I then asked coldly and firmly, rising from my seat,
and looking at him straight in the face.
"A--ahem--yes, young lady. I think there is no other point left to be
discussed" the solicitous brother simpered, dropping the hind legs of
his chair and coming towards the door to escort me, and "I trust you
will not experience any inconvenience" he added in a half conciliatory
tone--"we lost no time--eh--in making known our decision to you."
"Oh, you are very kind and considerate. I shall always feel deeply
indebted to you!" I retorted quietly as I swept past him, out of the
room.
I went back to my vacant seat by the window, and threw myself wearily
into it--then--it had come to this--that I was politely turned out of
my own home with no option, no alternative but to seek whatever
shelter I best could find among strangers! It was hard, to be left at
the mercy of such a bitter fate as this! So young, so friendless, so
proud, and a woman!
I did not burst into tears at the melancholy realization, tears were a
mockery then: there was too much fire flaming in my eyes, and boiling
my blood with indignation; my bosom heaved with quick-drawn sighs, and
my lips were smiling in angry scorn.
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