The Blockade Runner — page 33: what you’re looking at

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

64 THE BLOCKADA RUNNER. when he went away to Europe, and as his position as a member of the family brought him continually into her society, | am certain he was impressed, as any young man would be under the circumstances. If that were the case three years ago, just fancy the effect on this young absentee of the full developed charms of one of the most charming women in the world. Why, man alive, it will be a clear case of love at first sight. As he is certain to be backed up by her father, who thinks there is no one like his nephew Bob, where in old Nick do-I come in?’ This was too much of a poser for the fallow brain of the easy-going Mr. Jessup to tackle, so he said nothing but sucked the end of his gold-mounted cane assiduously, possibly hoping to find an inspiration by that recreation. “You perceive how much of a drawback to me is this young fellow’s advent in Wilmington just at the important time when I had begun to flatter myself that I was making some progress with Miss Mowbray.” Mr. Jessup nodded wisely, still fondling his cane with his lips. “Tve not the least doubt Bentham will offer his services to the Confederacy, and Mowbray has suf- ficient influence to obtain for him an important com- mission. I am not sure but he may go. to sea in the privateer Swiftwing.” -* The vessel to which you hold the appointment as second officer, eh?” said Mr. Jessup, removing his cane for a moment. “The same; though between you and I, Jessup, and mind you keep mum about it, I fancy Flash Gilmor will be conspicuous by his absence.” CoOnniclooolkks (©