The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 114: what you’re looking at

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

THE FREEMASONS DAUGHTER. 105 enough to drive any one placed near them mad, even if he were not already so. ““I understand,” said Barnes; “any visitors al- lowed ? ” ** Certainly not.” The fellow smiled; he felt that the old man was to be completely at his mercy. “‘ In his present state,” added his master, “ it would only excite him.” * You know best, sir.” * You can occasionally talk with him—listen to his ravings; and if he should utter anything remarkable respecting his worthy employer, Mr. Grindem, or his partner, Mr. Small, report it to me.” *“* Ay, ay.” “ Not that I am curious, but frequently the key to a man’s disease,” added the worthy Mr. Crab, “ may be found in his ravings. And now, my good fellow, take a glass of wine, and away to your duties. I am never easy when you are absent from the establishment. [ know that I can trust you.” The fellow filled a glass of sparkling port, drained it to his employer’s health, and left the room without a word, perfectly understanding what was required of him ; to keep, if possible, the old clerk in a continued state of excitement, and to be aspy upon all he uttered. “* A.useful fellow that, and trustworthy,” muttered Mr. Crab, as he left the room. “I hate your obtuse beings, to whom it is necessary to speak plainly. Give COniiclooecl SS (SO