The Dugdale Millions — page 23: what you’re looking at

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

A REVELATION, 13 truth of things which seemed obscure to him, and notwithstanding the latter gentleman feared the influ- ence upon his ward, the knowledge of the luxuries of wealth she obtained through her close association with Bessie would naturally exert. It was asunny afternoon in late September, that Bessie returned to her home from her visit to the Negleys on Long Island. She sent word to Wallis that she was home and was dying to see her, as soon as she arrived, which message brought Wallis in haste to the Hetlow mansion. Notwithstanding Dick’s advice, Mr. Hetlow, after consultation with his lawyer, had determined to pre- pare his daughter’s mind for the brilliant possibilities opening to her. He was anxious to have the matter off his mind. With Dick prosecuting the search vig- orously and his daughter properly informed, he could, with easy conscience, return to his pursuits of busi- ness and pleasure. He therefore awaited her return with impatience. Before leaving for the city on the morning of the day his daughter was to return, he wrote her a letter saying that he had a matter of grave importance to communicate to her, upon his return, begging she would make no engagement to interfere with this communication. Bessie was reading the letter when Wallis entered and found her grave and puzzled by its formality. The two friends sat down to speculate upon what it might portend. ‘‘Someone has proposed for your hand,’’ said Wallis positively. This was her favorite speculation—a brilliant pro- posal of marriage for her friend—a thought which desolated her when she recalled the separation it would entail. 20> dear). 1 nepe net,” cued Bessie, “ldo hate these ready-made courtships where the man Comicboclk CO 3