She had just sufficient
comprehension of the subject for unlimited confidence that the
achievement was practicable, without having knowledge enough to
understand a tithe of the difficulties, though she did see that they
could hardly be surmounted by a woman unassisted. However, she
might see her way by the time her studies were completed, and in the
meantime her mother might keep the shell while she had the essence.
However, to find the shell thus left on her hands was no slight
perplexity. Should she, as eldest daughter left in charge, demand
the desk, Barbara would produce her reasons for its abstraction, and
for this Janet was not prepared. Unless something else was wanted
from it, so as to put Babie in the wrong, Janet saw no alternative
but to secure the book in her own bureau, and watch for a chance of
smuggling it back.
Thus Babie escaped all interrogation, but she did not release the
captive davenport, and indeed she soon forgot all about it in her
absorption in Swiss letters.
CHAPTER XXIII. THE LOST TREASURE.
But solemn sound, or sober thought
The Fairies cannot bear;
They sing, inspired with love and joy,
Like skylarks in the air.
Of solid sense, or thought that's grave,
You find no traces there.
Young Tamlane.
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