Nidworth, and His Three Magic Wands (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1870. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVIII. THE OLD STORY. A T the end of the third day, Nidworth succeeded in finding a new nurse for Hidda, and took Blanche home." There had been little to do, and the.young girl had had time for reflection; there was a touch of new seriousness on her face as they left the hut together, which struck Nidworth not a little. "Are you very tired, dear?" he asked. "No, not a bit. Suppose, before we go home, we call to see how that little child is. Somehow I can't keep her out of my head." "With all my heart," said Nidworth; "the walk will refresh you after your three days' imprisonment." They were received with great pleasure by the grandmother. "I will tell Leoline that you are here," said she, "and ask her if she will see you." She was gone some time, but at last returned with the announcement that Leoline would. "What a condescending little mortal " thought Blanche. "After our long walk it would be a pretty thing, to be sure, if she wouldn't see us." But what was her surprise when they were ushered into the presence of a young person of about her own age. "Why, I thought you were a little child " she burst forth; "I'm sure I shouldn't have dared, my brother wouldn't have dared, to come to see you if we had known --" "How very aged I am?" asked Leoline, with a smile so sweet and prepossessing that one felt attracted to her at once. They had an animated conversation: the room was tastefully adorned, though in an inexpensive way; there were a few books, and a good many flowers, but there was nothing there so charming as Leoline herself. "I don't know how it is with you, but I am perfectly in love with her," said Blanche, as they left the house. Nidworth was silent. "She is so sweet and gentle, just like you, Nidworth; and yet she is not stupid; she has plenty t...