Pendril. "Have you thought
of any place of residence?"
"I may take it on myself, sir," said Miss Garth, "to answer your
question for them. When they leave this house, they leave it with me. My
home is their home, and my bread is their bread. Their parents honored
me, trusted me, and loved me. For twelve happy years they never let me
remember that I was their governess; they only let me know myself as
their companion and their friend. My memory of them is the memory of
unvarying gentleness and generosity; and my life shall pay the debt of
my gratitude to their orphan children."
Norah rose hastily from the sofa; Magdalen impetuously left the window.
For once, there was no contrast in the conduct of the sisters. For once,
the same impulse moved their hearts, the same earnest feeling inspired
their words. Miss Garth waited until the first outburst of emotion had
passed away; then rose, and, taking Norah and Magdalen each by the hand,
addressed herself to Mr. Pendril and Mr. Clare. She spoke with perfect
self-possession; strong in her artless unconsciousness of her own good
action.
"Even such a trifle as my own story," she said, "is of some importance
at such a moment as this.
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