What then was
her surprise when she found that not herself, but Dora was the
subject of his remarks! After telling her of his visit to his
sister, and of her wishes with regard to Dora, he said, "since the
death of my wife and baby, I have felt a deep interest in your
family for the kindness shown to me in my affliction. I promised
Ella that I would befriend Dora, and by placing her with Louise, I
shall not only fulfil my word, but shall also be relieved of all
care concerning her. Do yon think I can persuade your mother to
let her go?"
Eugenia did not know. She would speak to her about it after he was
gone, and tell him on the morrow.
"I shall rely upon you to plead my cause," he continued; "Louise's
heart is quite set upon it, and I do not wish to disappoint her."
"I will do my best," answered Eugenia, never suspecting that Mr.
Hastings was quite as anxious as his sister, who, she presumed,
intended making a half companion, half waiting-maid of her cousin.
"But it will be a good place for her, and somewhat of a relief to
us," she thought, after Mr.
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