The Dugdale Millions — page 268: what you’re looking at

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

258 THE DUGDALE MILLIONS. With the single exception of the meeting on the pre- vious Wednesday night, Dick had not seen Bessie since the day of her spirited scene with her father, and, consequently, he awaited her coming with no little nervousness. He was anxious to know how she would meet him, and he thought from the manner of her greeting he would be enabled to judge to some extent of the meaning of her mysterious note. If she were cold and constrained, did she endeavor to put a guard upon herself and try to hold him at a distance, he thought he would be confirmed in his belief that her father had forbade -further intercourse with him and that she had determined to obey the parental man- date. When, however, she met him, although much surprised to see him, her manner was graciousness itself. Indeed it was even more than gracious, for her cheeks flushed deeply and into her eyes leaped a glad light, unmistakable and most reassuring to him. There was no constraint in her manner, but a soft shy- ness which became her well. Lord Merrimount’s greeting was most cordial. He evidently was glad to see Dick, and, not expecting a meeting, was moved to a little more warmth than he usually displayed. : After some little conversation, which treated solely upon Merrimount’s visit to Canada, Wallis suggested that, as darkness fell early at that time of year, they should be off on their excursion. ‘Taking possession of the young Englishman’s arm without giving him a choice as to which of the ladies he would offer it, an act, however, which seemed to be entirely agreeable to the young nobleman, she led him away, and by quick- ening her own step compelled him to walk rapidly. She was thus making good her promise to Dick that she would be his good ally. Perceiving her pur- pose, Dick moved along at a correspondingly slow pace. Thus he was enabied to secure the interview he had so Jong and so fruitlessly sought for. And having ob- tained it, he did not waste his precious moments. Comicloo® S C@ 5}