Detective Bob Bridger — page 60: what you’re looking at

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

DETECTIVE BOB BRIDGER. 53 nize in me the tramp detective of the Bolard cottage in England. “But she did not seem to do so. “She arose, blushing and excited, and bowed to me in acknowledgment. “My feelings, as I read her pure heart beaming like a priceless mine of gold through her beautiful eyes, 1 cannot describe. “T was charmed. “Here was a young lady as pure of thought and life as the snow-drop on the mountain top, and one who had met so few gentlemen that she seemed actually embarrassed at the introduction. “Dear creature! she doubtless thought that to me, a brusque fellow of the world, she seemed awkward, while, in reality, she appeared to me not only as pretty, but pret- tier than any picture I had ever beheld—on canvas or alive. “TI knew that ere I might become acquainted with her I must make her perfectly at ease in my presence, and I pro- ceeded to work at once. “*Now, ladies,’ said I, ‘overlook my rudeness, for I am full of music, and you must hear this new melody.’ “Drawing two easy-chairs near the piano, I grasped the widow and sat her down on one, and then placed Annette _ gently upon the other—not, indeed, as if I were a new ac- quaintance, but as if the ladies had been my sisters. “T performed this delicate feat in so polite, albeit assured a manner that, far from being offended, both laughed mer- rily at my boldness and enthusiasm. “I noticed, however, that the widow’s laughter died down much sooner than the musical mirth of Annette. “ Planting myself at the piano, I spread forth the music, and played the air over with a touch that astonished the fair widow. “*Why, Sam—that is, Mr. Josalyn—you are quite a per- former !’ she exclaimed as I finished. “I never heard you play so before. Surely the surroundings to day are very agreeable, that your heart is so equal to the task ?’ “*My heart is in music to-day, surely,’ I said, turning toward the widow, ‘and as I have brought the air here ex- pressly for you to hear, itis only natural that you would pardon, even flatter the execution. But hearken to me now, for I am about to sing.’ <j “And if ever mortal sang well,’ I added, turning to -- Eomileboo cS €O