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Payne, Dutton

"Mistress Penwick"

We go to England
by the first boat,--nay, lay back, calm thyself or I take my wagging
tongue away; if thou dost so much as stir again, I leave thee. Thou
art to go to a great house over there and see grand folks with fine
airs and modish dress. Wilt be glad to see outside of convent walls?
'Tis nine years since I brought thee here a babe of six, and have
nursed thee well to this hour, and thy strength and health and beauty
show the care given thee." She suddenly arose and went to the window
to hide if possible her agitation; but when she looked forth on the
snow-covered city and on beyond at the long range of forest that lay
low and black against the arctic sky, she turned from the gloomy scene
and went again to the couch, quickly suppressing all thoughts save
those that were purely selfish: she would be glad to bid adieu to this
great, still northern world and leave behind forever old Quebec, even
though she must divide her treasure.
"I have been a mother to thee, child, and now I must divide my rule
with a cantankerous Scot--"
"Nay, a Scot and lives in England?"
"He lives in England and thy father speaks of bending somewhat thy
quick temper to the mould of self-control as a safer parry to Scotch
thrust; so I conclude the gentleman must be a Scot.


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