Geoffrey's Victory by Mrs Georgie Sheldon — page 86: what you’re looking at

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

82 A CONFESSION. him the deep affection which I cherish for you. But, Uncle August, I have aconfession to make to you this morning which may cause something of a change in your feelings toward me.” “A confession?” repeated Mr. Huntress, looking up quickly and anxiously. “Surely, Geoff, you haven’t been getting into any trouble at college?” | ‘‘No, sir; what I have to tell you, you may regard as far more serious than any college scrape—it may alienate your aliection for me far more, but——” “Out with it, Geoff, don’t beat about the bush; I fancy you won’t find me very obdurate, no matter what you have done,” Mr. Huntress interrupted, although he be- lieved Geoffrey was making a mountain out of some mole- hill. ‘“‘T will, sir; confession is the only honorable course open to me, and yet 1 i offend you I shall dread to look my future in the face.” “Good heavens, Geoffrey! you begin to frighten me; speak out—what have you been doing thatis so dread- ful?” exclaimed his friend, now looking thoroughly alarmed. “JT have dared to—love Gladys, sir.” “You have dared to love Gladys! Well, of course, who could help it?” said August Huntress, his astonishment increasing, and not, on the instant, comprehending the full import of the words. “But—but—Uncle August, you do not understand ; I love her as a man loves the woman whom he wishes to make his wife,” said Geoffrey, with a very pale face, for the die was cast now, and he waited the result with fear and trembling. ‘“Humph! and this is your confession ?” ‘Yes, sir; [ hope you will not regard me as a viper that turns and stings the hand that nourishes it,” the young man pleaded, with emotion. August Huntress did not reply for a moment. He thoroughly comprehended the situation now, anda great sigh of relief came welling up from his deep chest, for he had imagined from Geoffrey’s grave looks and ominous words that he had got into some difficulty at college which might hamper him through the remainder of his course. But it was only a love affair, after all, and he had long ago surmised that some such result might follow the intimate association of these two whe were so dear fo him. eomlclsooks C@