Geoffrey's Victory by Mrs Georgie Sheldon — page 71: what you’re looking at

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

THE RECEPTION. 67 an elaborate supper had been ordered from Ye:monico’s. Mr. and Mrs. Huntress were, of course, among the in- vited guests, and Geoffrey had also been sent for and pressed to honor the occasion with his presence, for Gladys’ sake. He had sent a telegram in reply, saying that he would , come if possible, but at nine o’clock he had not appeared, and Gladys turned eagerly toward the door at every — fresh arrival, hoping to see him enter. Mr. Mapleson had not failed to present himself at an early hour, when he immediately constituted himself Gladys’ most devoted attendant, and was so persistent and marked in his attentions that the young girl began to feela trifle uncomfortable and anxious, lest matters should grow more serious than she desired. ‘‘ Papa, where do you suppose Geoff is?” she inquired, with a troubled face, as Mr. Huntress came up to her, while Everet Mapieson was doing his utmost to be agree- able. Mr. Huntress had been introduced to the young man earlier in the evening, and had been startled, as every one else was, by his singular resemblance to the boy whom he had reared, and he had resolved to make some inqui- ries of him regarding his connections, hoping thus to gain some light unon Geoffrey’s early life. “T do not know, dear,” the gentleman replied to his daughter s question ; “it is surely time that he was here. Possibly something detained him at the last moment, and he could not leave.” ‘“Oh, I hope not; the evening will be spoiled if he does not come,” Gladys cried, in a tone that made the blood surge angrily to Everet Mapleson’s brow, for it told him how little hope there was of his retaining Gladys’ com- panionship if his fortunate rival should make his appear- ance. “T shall be sorry myself not to see Geoff; he needs the © change and recreation, too, for he is working very hard,” responded Mr. Huntress, glancing wistfully toward the door himself. “But you must try to eniov yourself, all the same, if he does not come. Mr. and Mrs. Loring will _ be disappointed if their reception does not prove a pleas- ant one, after all their effort.” Gladvs’ glanee was hent upon her fan, with which she was nervously tovine: her cheeks were fiushed, her brow slightlv clouded, her lips compressed, and it was evident that she was greatly disturbed. : -_ * (eCoy pn iicel exoye) Ss (€(0) =)