The Evil Genius: A Domestic Story — page 222: what you’re looking at

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

THE KEVIL GENIUS. . 311 great distress. If you were with me, my child, 1 might be bet- ter able to bear it.” He held out his hand. Even a happy woman could hardly have found itin her heart to resist him. In silent sympathy and respect Sydney kissed the hand that he had offered to her. It was the one way in which she could trust herself to answer him. | Still encouraging her to see new hopes and new interests in the future, the good captain spoke of the share which she might take in the management of the home, if she would like to be his secretary. With this view he showed her some written reports, relating to the institution, which had been sent to him during the time of his residence at Sydenham. She read them with an in- terest and attention which amply justified his confidence in her capacity. ‘* These reports,” he explained to her, ‘‘ are kept for reference; but, as a means of saving time, the substance of them is entered in the daily journal of our proceedings. Come, Sydney! venture on a first experiment in your new character. I see pen, ink, and paper on the table; try if you can shorten one of the reports without leaving out anything which it is important to know. For instance, the writer gives reasons for making his statement. Very well expressed, no doubt, but we don’t want reasons. Then, again, he offers his own opinion on the right course to take. Very creditable to him; but I don’t want his opinion—I want his facts. Take the pen, my secretary, and set down his facts. Never mind his reflections.” Proud and pleased, Sydney obeyed him. She had made her little abstract, and was reading it to him at his request, while he compared it with the report, when they were interrupted by a visitor. Randal Linley came in, and noticed the papers on the table with surprise. ‘* Is it possible that 1 am interrupting busi- ness?” he asked. Bennydeck answered with an assumed air of importance which was in itself a compliment to Sydney: ‘* You find me engaged on the business of the Home with my new secretary.” Randal at once understood what had happened. He took hig friend’s arm, and led him to the other end of the room. ‘* You good fellow!” he said. ‘‘ Add to your kindness by ex- cusing me if I ask for a word with you in private.” Sydney rose to retire. After having encouraged her bya word of praise, the captain proposed that she should get ready to go out, and should accompany him on avisit to the Home. He opened the door for her as respectfully as if the poor girl had been one of the highest ladies in the land. ‘‘[T have seen my friend Sarrazin,” Randal began, ‘*‘ and I have persuaded him to trust me with Catherine’s present address, I can send Herbert there at once, if you will only help me.” ‘* How can I help you?” ‘“ Will you allow me to tell my brother that your engagement is broken off ?” Bennydeck shrunk from the painful allusion, and showed it, ‘*‘ Is this necessary ?” he asked. COMMICLO© S (E() im