The Skeleton Crew; Or, Wildfire Ned — page 119: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

es THE SKELETON CREW; OR, WILDFIRE NED. ——n Cetera," \ THE MURDER IN THE WOOD.—See Number 17. “¢ What mischief can befal youhere ? Oh! how silly, Edward ; if I had made sucha speech, you’d have laughed at me. Why, even good cousin, with her wonderful ghost’ stories, would smile at you talking of ‘ presentiments.’ “<Still, such is the fact, Lady Bray, and, if it must be confessed, I am very much depressed at moments,’ ‘ ¢QOh, what a fine fellow to be a captain of cadets ! Why, if I were a man, I’d fear nothing. Oh, Clare, do come here ; here’s Lawrence discoursing of pre- sentiments, and is certain that something very horrible is about to happen to him “<« Well, think as you may, cousin,’ said Clare, ‘I myself rose with forebodings of coming unpleasant- ness this morning ; and it has come strictly true.’ ““¢ Worebodings, Clare! Well, I know that a gentleman called to day. LI hope it was that. It couldn’t have been so very unpleasant, judging from his animated appearance when escorting you home ; but both of you appear to agree so well upon the subject of presentiments, I shall stroll in the garden and allow you to discuss its merits at full.’ | “«¢ But, how extraordinary it is,’ said Clare, ‘ that 80 many great events should have befallen: you on one day. To think, that after so many years, you should have discovered your relations ; that on No, 15. the same day you should have graduated and resolved to change your residence.’ “¢ But if I go, I shall still be near all my friends,’ © replied Lawrence, ‘ for you always go to France for the winter months.’ “* True, but I can assure you it is greatly against my will; there is too much gaiety there, and as father has extensive acquaintance and relations, it throws me into much bustle and distraction I would willingly avoid. I Jove quietness and rusticity.’ © ©©You were always timid, Clare. I have known you long now, and think you are unnecessarily so ; you are the only one at home now ; your father doats upon you, and, with all due respect, let me add, there are few who are greater favouites with all, or who has had so many in supplication at your feet.’ “«You flatter me, I have never given any one reason to think that I ever encouraged their addresses, but, on the contrary, have ever taken the earliest opportunity to dispossess them of any such idea, when it became apparent. A coquette is abominable ; one cannot have two hearts, and when that is already dedicated, all is staked.’ “Visitors called, and this conversation ceased. Lady Bray was busy in welcoming them. Clare was superintending the household ; and, left to his