‘And I really hope they won’t find the poor little dear, to have all the fuss and heart-rending.’
‘Oh, Birdie!’
‘There’s only one thing that would make me wish it. I’m quite sure that that Miss Ida knows more about it than she owns. No, you need not say, “Oh, Birdie” again; I don’t suspect her of the deed, but I do believe she saw the boy and kept out of his way, and now wants that poor Ellen to have all the blame!’
‘You will believe nothing against a girl out of an orphanage!’
‘I had rather any day believe Ellen Mole than
Ida Morton. There’s something about that girl which has always revolted me. I would never trust her farther than I could see her!’
‘Prejudice, Birdie; because she is in bad style.’
‘You to talk of prejudice, Addie, who hardly knew how to go on living here under the poor stick!’
‘Don’t, Birdie. He has earned esteem by sheer goodness. Poor man, I don’t know what to wish for him when I think of the pang that awaits him.’
‘You know what to wish for yourself and Northmoor! Not but that Herbert may come to good if he doesn’t come into possession for many a long year.’