"I don't profess quite
to understand her; however, that is not the point. The poverty at
Penywern Cottage is an undoubted fact. It is also a fact that Prissie
is forced to give up her classical education. She shall not! she has a
genius for the old tongues. Now, Nancy, help me; use your common sense
on my behalf. How am I to send money to Penywern Cottage?"
Nancy thought for several minutes.
"I have an idea," she exclaimed at last.
"What is that?"
"I believe Mr. Hammond could help us."
Maggie colored.
"How?" she asked. "Why should Geoffrey Hammond be dragged into
Priscilla's affairs? What can he possibly know about Penywern Cottage
and the people who live in it?"
"Only this," said Nancy: "I remember his once talking about that part
of Devonshire where Prissie's home is and saying that his uncle has a
parish there. Mr. Hammond's uncle is the man to help us."
Miss Oliphant was silent for a moment.
"Very well," she said; "will you write to Mr. Hammond and ask him for
his uncle's address?"
"Why should I do this, Maggie? Geoffrey Hammond is your friend; he
would think it strange for me to write."
Maggie's tone grew as cold as her expressive face had suddenly become.
"I can write if you think it best," she said; "but you are mistaken in
supposing that Mr.
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