Geoffrey's Victory by Mrs Georgie Sheldon — page 154: what you’re looking at

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

180 EVERLT MAKHS A STARTLING DISCOVERY. While Everet Mapleson was following the trail of the mystery that possessed such a power of fascination over him, August ldurtress and his family were luxuriating at Saratoga. Mr. Huntress had obstinately insisted that Geoffrey should have a long holiday aiter the close application of the last three years, although the young man himseif would have much preferred, and was very eager to begin the real business of his life at once. “It is time that I was at work for myself,” he had pleaded, “and if you will only use your influence, Uncle August, to help me into some good position, my con- science would be easier.” “Your conscience needn’t trouble you, and I won’t hear a word about business for three months to come,” re- plied his friend, decisively. ‘“‘You’ve given yourself no rest during all your college course, and now, my boy, I’m determined that we shall all havea jolly good time together to celebrate your own and Gladys’ release from school-life.” So, by the middle of July, they were settled for the summer in pleasant rooms at the Grand Union, and were as happy and united a party as ever visited that resort of gayety and fashion. Gladys was very much admired from the first; her beauty and charming manners winning her legions of friends. But none of them were to be compared to Geoffrey, and the lovers managed to be much by themselves, in spite of the fact that “that delightful Miss Huntress was such a favorite with everybody.” One morning they were leisurely strolling through one of the shady avenues of Congress Park, when they saw a distinguished-looking gentleman advancing toward them. He did not appear to notice them, however, until he was almost upon them, when, suddenly looking up, he gave a violent start of surprise; then he advanced, with an eager smile and extended hand, exclaiming: ‘“Why, Everet Mapleson! Where on earth did you drop from? I should as soon have thought of seeing the Hm- peror of Russia as yourself this morning.” Geofirey lifted his hat and bowed politely to the speaker, as he replied: “You have made a slight mistake, sir; Iam not Everet Mapleson, although this is not the first time that I have been taken for him.” comicloookks.€