Geoffrey's Victory by Mrs Georgie Sheldon — page 132: what you’re looking at

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

128 AN OCTUGENARIAN INTERVIEWED. the kitchen, where he securely bolted the door, after which be passed out the front way, the lock springing into place with a sharp snap after him, as if in vigorous protest at his intrusion upon the mysteries which it had guarded for so many years. Passing out of the little gate, he fastened it after him, then mounted his horse and rode slowly and thoughtfully back to Vue de 1’Eau. CHAPTER XXI. AN OCTOGENARIAN INTERVIEWED. The folowing morning, bright and early, Everet Maple- gon was en route to Richmond. His object was to visit an old lady who resided there, and who knew all about the Maplesons for the last three generations, for he believed she would be able to throw some light on Annie Dale’s history. She resided in a quiet, old-fashioned street, and her family consisted of one servant, her cat, dog, canary and parrot. Everet found her in her dining-room, surrounded by her pets, and looking as contented and benignant asif she had been in the midst of as many children. “Aha!” she exclaimed, looking at his card as Everet followed the servant into the room, ‘‘you must be the son of William Mapleson; he married Estelle Everet, and I see they have combined the two names: quite a good idea, young man, and not a badly sounding title, either. And how is my friend, the colonel, your handseme lady mother, too ’—at least she was handsome the last time I saw her.” The young man informed the Pouce old lady that both his parents were well, and were at present enjoying the gaveties of a seas>n at Newport. “And they’ve left you at home to look after the planta- tion, eh? That is rather reversing the order of things, isn’t it? Most young people think they must have the good times, while the old people stay at home.” SN. I have not been left; if was my own preference to remain,” Everet told her. “You know, Miss Southern, I have not been at Vue de I|’Eau very much during the last four years, and soit is quite a relief to be at home for a little while.” | “Vue de l’Eau isa grand place, Mr. Mapleson, and I COnniclooolkks.€