The form of this e-text is predicated upon an assumption about theeditorial practices that obtained in Canadian publishing around theyear 1874. It is presumed that the authoress had the opportunity toreview pre-publication galley proofs and make any changes orcorrections she deemed appropriate, and that the published book istherefore an accurate reflection of her wishes and intentions.
ISABEL LEICESTER,
A ROMANCE,
BY
MAUDE ALMA.
"Twist ye, twine ye, even so,
Mingled threads of joy and woe,
Hope and fear, peace and strife,
In the cord of human life."
HAMILTON:
SPECTATOR PRINTING HOUSE.
1874.
3
ISABEL LEICESTER.
CHAPTER I.
n a spacious apartmentsuperbly furnished, and surrounded by every luxury that could please themost fastidious taste, sat Isabel Leicester, attired in deep mourning,with her head resting upon her hand, her face almost as white as thehandkerchief she held. Isabel's Father had failed in business, and themisfortune had so preyed upon his mind, that he sank under it and died.The funeral had taken place that day, and she was to leave the house onthe day following—the house where she was born and had alwayslived, except when at school. The servants had all been discharged buttwo, who were to leave next day. A friend had offered Isabel a homeuntil she could procure a situation as a governess, which that friendMrs. Arnold was endeavouring to obtain for her, in the family of a ladywho had been one of Mrs. Arnold's school-fellows. Mrs. Arnold was thewidow of a clergyman, with a very limited income, and Isabel wasunwilling to trespass upon the kindness of one whose means she knew tobe so small. But she had no alternative at the time and trusted that itwould not be long before she would be able to procure the situation shehad in view, or some other. The tea remained untasted on the table, forIsabel was absorbed by the melancholy thoughts that filled her heart.She tried to feel resigned, but her pride was wounded at the idea ofbecoming a 'governess.' She had been the spoiled petted daughter of awealthy merchant of the city of New York, whose chief delight had beento indulge her in every way. But still Mr. Leicester had been a trulygood and christian man, and had taught his daughter not to set heraffections on earthly things, and to remember that wealth was given tous for the benefit of others, as well as for our own enjoyment. And hewas rewarded as she grew up to find that her chief aim was to do good tothe many poor families whose necessities came to her knowledge. Greatalso was his satisfaction to find that after two4seasons in New York, where she had been the Belle, she was still thesame loving, unassuming, pure-minded girl she had ever been, tho' theadmiration and attention her beauty and accomplishments had excited, hadshe been less carefully trained, might have rendered her haughty andvain.
During her Father's illness, when her time and thoughts were occupiedwith attending upon him, and in anxiety for his recovery she had thoughtand felt that the loss of property was an evil of little moment, andtried to persuade her Father not to think so much about the reverse,urging that he could get so