Geoffrey's Victory by Mrs Georgie Sheldon — page 275: what you’re looking at

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

=< FURTHER DEVEL OPMENTS. 271 a **You have made a slight mistake, sir; this young man is my > son by adoption—Mr. Geoffrey Dale Huutress.” Colonel Mapleson recoiled, an ashen pallor overspreading his face at these words, a look of fear followed by one of dismay, then of conviction springing into his eyes, which were fastened upon that familiar yet strange face. Then he staggered toward.a chair, sank heavily into it, his head dropping upon his breast, while he murmured, in a tone of | awe mingled with agony: “At last! at last it has come!” There was an awkward silence after that, during which the man appeared to be absorbed in painful thought. Mr. Huatress broke ib at last by remarking in a grave tone: ‘*T told you, Colonel Mapleson, that this is my son by adop- tion; we have recently learned that he is your son by the more sacred tie of blood, and our errand here to-night is to learn how much or—how little that may mean.” The man sat suddenly erect, as his guest concluded this speech, and locked almost imperial as he bent his keen, flashing eye full upon August Huntress, a firm purpose written on his face, and a look, also, which plainly told that he had never yet turned his back upon danger, trouble, or an enemy, and never would. “You shall learn, that, sir,” he said in a Clear, proud tone; ‘‘Annie Dale was my lawful wife, and he,” extending a hand that trembled visibly toward Geoffrey, ‘‘is our son!” CHAPTER XLIL FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS. Mr. Huntress was struck dumb with astonishment by this unexpected declaration; but Geoffrey sprang forward, clasped that extended hand, and exclaimed, in a voice that shook with emotion: : “Oh, sir, 1 can never express my gratitude for that blessed assurance!” Colonel Mapleson’s fingers closed almost convulsively over the young man’s hand, while he turned his gaze upon him, searching his face with eager, hungry eyes. ‘“‘Geoffrey,” he murmured, in a trembling tone, ‘‘you are my Annie’s boy.” His lips quivered, a great trembling seized him, and he seemed on the point of breaking down utterly. It was several minutes before he could collect himself suffi- =? to speak, although he struggled manfully with his emo- ion. At length he turned again to Geoffrey, to whose hand he had cling all the time, saying: =) A. (C@) (El OO KS,EO)