The Dugdale Millions — page 192: what you’re looking at

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

182 THE DUGDALE MILLIONS. cellent future before him, for his morals are good and his capacity for business far more than the ordinary.” Mrs. Stanton did not reply. “He seems to be attentive to Wallis,” continued the merchant after a pause. ‘He would make hera good husband. I think, were they to marry, it would be a good arrangement.” Mrs. Stanton laid her work down and looked with open astonishment at her visitor. ‘“‘ Has it never occurred to you?”’ asked Mr. Hetlow, smiling. | Occurred te me!’ repeated the lady. 3 Why: bless you, he does not care for Wallis. Don’t you know his heart has long been lost to Bessie?” Mr. Hetlow was so startled and amazed that he turned almost fiercely upon Mrs. Stanton. “To Bessie! He! He! His heart lostto Bessie!” It was not Mrs. Stanton’s purpose to make trouble, and it was only when she perceived the effect of her unguarded remark, that she recollected that she had revealed what she had been expressly cautioned to preserve as a secret. It was too late, however, to recall her words. “Ts this matter then of such common notoriety that it is surprising that I do not know it,” he asked angrily. ‘ Has this love-making been going on under my eyes and I not aware of it?” He was so angry that Mrs. Stanton was frightened. ‘¢ TJ] did not say there had been love-making,”’ she stammered, “I don’t understand there has been any. I fear I have done wrong in saying a word.” “ What am I to understand then?” demanded Mr. Hetlow. ‘Does Miss Hetlow reciprocrate his affec- tion?” “No, no,” cried the poor lady, much confused. “We've only noticed ithere. I think he confessed his affection for Bessie to Wallis. I am quite sure he has Comicbool< C@ 3