Read "Hester" by Margaret Oliphant online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
"I think, if you will let me, I will send down Emma for a little fresh air and to make your acquaintance, grandmother. She is rather of the butterfly order of girls, but there is no harm in her. And as it is likely that I shall have a good deal to do with the Vernons -- "
"What do you want with the Vernons? Why should you have a good deal to do with them? " asked Captain Morgan, hastily, and it must be added rather testily, for the old man's usually placid humour had been disturbed of late.