"If your determination were, as you say, to separate yourself from Mr. Houstoun, it is unfortunate that you should have taken up your residence so near us."
"I knew not until this morning that I was near you."
"If you are sincere in what you say, you will have no objection now to leave New-York."
"I have no objection to go to any place in which I can support myself in peace."
"As to supporting yourself, that is of no consequence. I will—"
"Pardon me, Lady Houstoun, it is of the utmost consequence to me. I cannot again live a dependent on your bounty."
"What can you do? Has your education been such that you can take the situation of governess?"
"Mr. Merton was a highly educated man, and Mrs. Merton an accomplished woman—it was their pleasure to teach me, and mine to learn from them."
"Accomplished! There stands a harp which has just been tuned by a master for a little concert we are to have this evening. Can you play on it?"
Lucy drew the instrument to her and played an overture correctly, yet with less spirit than she would have done had her fingers trembled less.