A Daughter of Maryland — page 147: what you’re looking at

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

126 A DAUGHTER OF MARYLAND. ‘*Father, you do Mr. Berners an injustice by your words. I believe he is a gentleman. ’’ ‘‘Hump! mighty dangerous ground for a young lady to stand on. Where have been my eyes? This New England visit has come none too soon. Aurian, do you intend to wear that pin?’’ | ‘*Not if it is against your wishes, father.’’ ‘*Very well. But we might as well have an understand- ing now. No Durand, or blood of a Durand, shall ever claim a Lancier for a wife while I Lye and should he when I am gone——”’’ He did not finish his sentence, and suddenly a strange look came over his countenance, while great beads of perspiration stood out on his forehead. ‘‘T do not understand you, father. You speak of the Berners and the Durands in the same breath. Will you tell me what you mean ?”’ ‘*Now that I have been fool enough to let my tongue run away with me so far, I suppose I might as well tell the rest. Hsten Berner’s mother was old Cal Durand’s daughter !’’ This startling declaration was so . unexpected that Aurian could scarcely credit her senses. In a moment the whole quarrel between the Southards and the Lanciers became plain, and she realized that the Berners were the element of contention between the families. ‘‘Tf you do not like the Berners, father, why is it you have always so favored Daniel Berners?’’ Tt does not matter.if you do not know. But this is not a pleasant subject to dwell upon, and here we are like two idiots keeping Robert waiting there in the parlor for you. He has something of special importance to us both to say. I repeat, listen to him kindly, and whatever he says shall have my sanction. I told Rosamond I would treat him as if he were my own son. With all his failings, he’s—he’s— he’s a good fox hunter anyway—lucky dog !’’