For, though poor, and obliged to labor for my bread, I
possess a spirit equally proud with your own, and that spirit your
insulting words have roused. When you accuse me of enticing Willie into
making a proposal of marriage, you well know that your accusation is
false and without foundation."
"I suppose," said Mrs. Leighton, after a short silence, "that you will
see the propriety of seeking another home."
"You might," I replied, "have saved yourself the trouble of reminding me
of this, as I intend, this night, to leave your house. I intend to show
you that I shall prove no hindrance to your son's marrying in accordance
with your wishes. Allow me to express my heart-felt thanks for your past
kindness to me; but we must now part."
Mrs. Leighton's anger, by this time, was beginning to cool.
"I am perfectly willing," said she, "that you should remain here till
you can obtain another situation. When I spoke of your seeking another
home, I wished not that you should understand that I wished you to leave
immediately."
I thanked her, but said "I preferred going at once."
She enquired whither I intended going? I replied that there were several
families residing in the city who had known and loved my mother, who
would gladly shelter her orphan daughter.
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