Page:Jeanie Deans and the lily of St. Leonard's.pdf/9

9 from her intended confidence in her sister. "She wad had me nae better than the dirt below her feet," said Effie to herself "were I to confess I hae danced wi him four times on the green down by. But I'll no gang back there again, I'm resolved I'll no gang back. And she kept her vow for a week, during which time however she was unusually cross and fretful.

There was something in all this so mysterious as considerably to alarm the prudent and affectionate Jeanie; and when it was agreed to by her father that Effie should go to Edinburgh to reside with Mr Saddletree, a distant relation of the family, and assist in the domestic duties of his household, she parted with her sister with a mixed feeling of apprehension and hope. It was not until the first moment of their separation for the first time in their lives that she felt the full force of sisterly sorrow, and Jeanie took that moment of affectionat esympathyaffectionate sympathy [sic], to press upon her sister the necessity of the utmost caution in her conduct while residing in EdinburghEdinburgh. [sic]

During the first week or two Effie was all that her kinswoman expected. But ere many months had passed, though she seemed almost wedded to her duties she no longer discharged them with the laughing cheek and light step which at first had attracted every visitor. Her mistress sometimes observed her in tears; but they were signs of secret sorrow, which she concealed as often as she saw them attract notice. Time wore on, her cheek grew pale, and her step heavyheavy. [sic] NeighbourNeighbours [sic] also, and fellow servants remarked with malicious curiosity, the disfigured shade, loose dress, and pale cheeks of the once beautiful and still interesting girl. At length Effie asked permission to go home for