Nan Darrell; Or, the Gipsy Mother, by the Author of 'The Heiress'. (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1839 edition. Excerpt: ... which I have for you--a different happiness when I am with you;--it is more like what I used to feel for Mrs. Arnold, my dear, my more than mother. When you thank me so sweetly, calling me your child, I almost think she is before me. I will not leave you now, unless you say that you are tired of me." "I am not tired of you," replied Lady Yerbury, passing her long thing fingers through her bright curls, parting them from off her open brow, and looking on her for some moments without speaking, whilst a sadder expression came over her placid features; then starting from her reverie, she said: -- "You may stay with me in body, but your heart will be with that gay company. Nay, I did not mean to chide--it is but natural at your age," she added, seeing that Kate bent her head to hide a blush. "There is one in that merry group dear--very dear to you." "Yes, dear little Clara is there," replied Katharine hurriedly, looking away, "And no one else who is dear, dearer still? Ah, Katharine a very child could read your secret--you must wear a mask or the truth will out." Katharine was silent. "You do not--you cannot deny it. Will you take advice from one, who loves you better, than our short acquaintanceship might seem to warrant? Do not trifle with a heart that truly loves you--let no flattery tempt you to coquetry. You cannot tell the misery of loving, thinking yourself unloved." "I would trifle with no heart, Lady Yerbury. I have never played the coquette; yet have known what it is to love and be unloved; --far worse--rejected--scorned " Lady Yerbury was startled with the passionate earnestness of Katharine's reply. "Forgive me I would not willingly have touched upon a painful theme. I have heard too much, or too little; but I will not believe...