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Yonge, Charlotte Mary, 1823-1901

"The Three Brides"

Charnock Poynsett spoiled
sport. It would have been awkward between his wife and his old
flame."
"For shame, Gussie," hushed Mrs. Duncombe, "they'll hear."
"I don't care! Let them! Stuck-up people!"
Whoever heard, Cecil Charnock Poynsett did, and felt as if the
ground were giving way with her.


CHAPTER XXIV
The Lady Green Mantle

The night, just like the night before,
In terrors passed away,
Nor did the demons vanish thence
Before the dawn of day.--MOORE
The turmoil was over, the gains had been emptied into bags to be
counted at leisure, the relics of the sale left to be disposed of
through the Exchange and Mart. Terry, looking tired to death,
descended from his post as assistant showman; and, with some
gentlemen who were to dine at Compton Poynsett, Cecil drove home to
dress in haste, and act hostess to a large dinner-party. All the
time she felt giddy at the words she had heard--"Mr. Poynsett's old
flame." It was constantly ringing in her ears, and one conviction
was before her mind. Her cheeks burnt like fire, and when she
reached her own room at night, and leant from the window to cool
them, they only burnt the more.


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