This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1865 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVII. THE FRENCHWOMAN S GOSSIP. Something which might almost be called a friendship--so genuine it was as far as it went on both sides--had sprung up between Elsie Carlyon and the poor music mistress recommended to her by her sister Lillie. It might be that the penitent consciousness of her long ...
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1865 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVII. THE FRENCHWOMAN S GOSSIP. Something which might almost be called a friendship--so genuine it was as far as it went on both sides--had sprung up between Elsie Carlyon and the poor music mistress recommended to her by her sister Lillie. It might be that the penitent consciousness of her long forgetfulness of this lady had disposed Elsie, when the acquaintance was made, to unusual warmth of manner towards her; and then there was Lillie as a strong connecting link between them, a subject in which they were both nearly equally interested; for Madame Le Olerc, wearied and worn as she was by the hard life conflict through which she had so long struggled alone, possessed a grateful, deeply sensitive nature that inclined her to magnify any unlooked-for kindness into a debt never to be repaid. Mrs. Wilniot had been more than kind, while she had the opportunity of being so, to her poor and friendless neighbour--she had been both affectionate and sympathising--and Madame Le Clerc felt a devotedness to the young Englishwoman which she knew would only terminate with her life. It was because Elsie was Lillie's sister, far more than for her own attractions, that the singing mistress so soon took a sincere liking to her beautiful and warm hearted pupil; and Elsie returning this liking with interest, had a double satisfaction in show ing Madame Le Clerc every kindness in her power, and in treating her invariably as an equal and a friend. They never met without indulging in a long talk about Lillie and her troubles; and since the Wilmots had left Paris, Madame Le Clerc had decided that her few and far between holidays should all be devoted to Versailles. On the day of Joanna's walk with James Oliver to the park de Monceaux, Elsie (who it will be...
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