The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 49: what you’re looking at

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

46 THE FREEMASONS DAUGHTER. to replace a sixpence extorted by charity, to keep up appearances. [ still keep the letters.” *‘ The invention 1s a poor one.” *‘T never invent. The proof, the sum—the exact sum in the Bank was named !”’ Grindem turhed deadly pale. This time it was not the sickly, waxen hue of a man who had received a heavy blow, which came over his countenance, but the pallor of a corpse. “* Name it!” he faltered. * One hundred and twenty thousand pounds, seven- teen shillings and threepence. I have never forgotten the sum, and have no need to refresh my memory. And now, master, one of two courses opens to you: consent to the marnage of your nephew with Amy Lawrence, or restore the fortune of which you robbed her father—for which you have gradually murdered his son. I give you three days to reflect—during that time my lips are sealed; at the expiration of that time, I confess everything—mark me, everything.” “ Gridley,” said his employer, “ I have undervalued your services; but it is not too late, and if an annuity of five hundred a year ”— * No.” “<A thousand ?”’ “No. Where you to count me down the ill-won gains of your misspent life, they would not tempt me. In three days I shall demand your final answer. Then I know my course.” ecomnuicloooks (SO