The Dugdale Millions — page 17: what you’re looking at

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

“ 4 PERPLEXING COMMISSION. q induces you to put the search on foot, and to put it into the hands of one you think will not be influenced by considerations of personal interests.’’ The face of the old gentleman flushed with pleasure, He arose from his chair and extending his hand to the young man said: ‘‘T thought you would understand me.’’ Dick had risen at the same time. He stood a mo- ment deeply thinking; finally, with an air of timidity, he asked: ‘*Does Miss Hetlow know of this matter?’’ **No,’’ replied the merchant, ‘‘she is not at home, and this information has reached me during her ab- sence. [I have not yet determined what is the best course to pursue—whether to withhold the facts for the present so as not to accustom her to hopes and aspirations which may never be realized, or whether to inform her, dwelling strongly upon the possibility that the grandson may be found.’’ Dick was about to speak, but suddenly ehecked himself, ‘You were about to say something, Mason,’’ said Mr. Hetlow. *‘I was about to offer some advice, but a second thought suggested its impertinence.’’ ‘‘Nothing would be impertinence after the trust I have given you,’’ said the old merchant kindly. ‘‘I would not inform her. The contemplation of such riches, it seems to me, must necessarily affect the imagination, and, if I find the grandson, the disap pointment must of necessity be very great.”’ ‘*Perhaps,’’ rejoined Mr. Hetlow thoughtfully. ‘*You have nothing more to say to me,’’ asked Dick, as he moved to the door. ‘‘Nothing except, and it is not important, that nearly thirty years ago a man called at our house m Bond Street, claiming relationship with my wife, who Comicboclk C@ 3}