The Dugdale Millions — page 194: what you’re looking at

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

184 THE DUGDALE MILLIONS. ‘No, about Mr. Mason.” ‘“‘Mr. Mason?” she repeated, her heart beating fast and her color deepening. “ Yes, I learn he has had the audacity to lift his —eyes to you—to permit himself the presumption of loving you.” For a moment or two her head reeled, and she walked on in great agitation. Her face was pale, and her heart seemed to be in her mouth. When she could control herself she asked : ‘‘Where did you learn this astounding news ?”’ “From Mrs. Stanton.” Anger came to her aid in controlling herself. She said sharply, “ Mrs. Stanton is meddling in affairs of Ne concern. to her,” “They are of conceri.to me, retoried hertather eis this so? “What? That itis of concern to you, or that Mrs. Stanton is a meddler in the affairs of others.” She was endeavoring to gain time. “Do not trifle with me,’’ commanded her father. “ Do you say that Mr. Mason has dared to offer him- self to you?” ‘No,’ she answered, now in possession of herself. “Mr. Mason has not offered himself.” Yet he loves you? eT iatunay be, “Answer my question. Has he ever asked you to be his wife?” “No,” she replied firmly. ‘ The first day Mr. Mason came here he and I had a serious difference, growing out of a misapprehension of mine. I thought then, though I now know I misunderstood him, that he presumed to lecture me. Since then, and indeed until this week, our relations have not been pleasant. So much is true. Until then J thought Mr. Mason regarded me tenderly. Then I believed the contrary Comicboolk<s C@© 3}