Page:Authors daughter v1.djvu/235

Rh the girls to their room for the night to see that everything was comfortable for them, there was a nicety about the arrangements that was different from things at Branxholm, though they were greatly improved since Amy's first introduction there. After Isabel, who was tired and sleepy, had gone to bed, Amy, who was tired and excited, sat up a little, half undressed, while her hostess spoke to her about her father and his writings. Books were the only amusement that Mrs. Troubridge had in the bush; she cey read the lightest and trashiest of lterature; but even novel reading gives one the character of having a somewhat cultivated mind in remote country districts. She offered Amy any number of green, red, and yellow volumes to read, and Amy thankfully accepted the offer. Then she glanced, but not unkindly, in an under-tone at the uncongenial household into which Mrs. Hammond's inhospitality had thrown her. Amy gave a little sigh; old trains of thought been awakened during the last two days, and the idea that she would never be able to lead such a life as her father had meant for her struck sadly on her heart.

Next Mrs. Troubridge made her proposal that she should live with her as a friend, but at the same time receive a salary for teaching her three