Page:Lady Anne Granard, or Keeping up Appearances Volume 2.pdf/12

10 to turn over the possibility of saving a little (were it ever so little) from her own depository, when in turn it should be thus rummaged; for, said she to herself, "if I have not an odd half-crown to give to Georgiana, poor girl, how can she pay the postage for a letter to Arthur? If I can save a half sovereign, what a thing it will be!" Keeping, therefore, an eye to the main chance, stimulated by the best possible motive, Helen emptied her purse on the bed, in such a manner, as to allow a stray half sovereign to escape, when she added the shillings and half-crowns to the little heap, and said, in a tremulous voice, "Here is my money." Lady Anne instantly took it up, and observed, "You have not been so prudent as Georgiana—at least you have got less of your present left." "Georgiana being so young bought only muslin, when I got a mouselin de laine, like Louisa's, mamma, as you recommended." "I remember that; but I also remember, miss, that you are the very worst of my girls (and all are bad enough) as regards charity. I tell you, Miss Helen Granard, once for all, that no money ought, or shall be given in my house for charity—no, not a shilling!" "Madame is wanted below. Le vilain n’attendez pas," said Fanchette. "Let me see—five, ten, twelve. Oh! there is thirty-nine pounds twelve. I have seventeen; we