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Braddon, M. E. (Mary Elizabeth), 1835-1915

"Charlotte's Inheritance"

He did not, however, stop
here, but made assurance doubly sure by effecting a second insurance upon
the same young life with the Widow's and Orphan's Hope Society, within a
few days of the first transaction.


Book the Sixth.

DIANA IN NORMANDY.

CHAPTER I.

AT COTENOIR.
Beaubocage, near Vevinord, March 15, 186--.
My darling Lotta,--As you extorted from me a solemn pledge that I would
write you a full and detailed account of my adventures, I seat myself in
Mademoiselle Lenoble's pretty little turret-chamber, in the hope of
completing the first instalment of my work before papa or Gustave summons
me to prepare for a drive and visit to the Convent of the Sacred Heart,
which, I believe, has been planned for to-day.
What am I to tell you, dear, and how shall I begin my story? Let me
fancy myself sitting at your feet before your bedroom fire, and you
looking down at me with that pretty inquisitive look in your dear grey
eyes. Do you know that M. Lenoble's eyes are almost the colour of yours,
Lotta? You asked me a dozen questions about his eyes the other day, and I
could give you no clear description of them; but yesterday, as he stood
at the window looking out across the garden, I saw their real colour. It
is grey, a deep clear grey, and his lashes are dark, like yours. How
shall I begin? That is the grand difficulty! I suppose you will want to
know something even about the journey.


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