In Sight of St. Paul's — page 86: what you’re looking at

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

HEART TO HEART. §1 _ And Palfrey hurried away, first blowing a kiss to Becky from behind Fletcher’s back. Gillie leaned back in his chair, and gazed into the coal-fire which was burning cheerily, thankful that he had found Tom at last, and speculating on what this discovery would mean. Becky busied herself about the room, and, after a time, unconsciously, began to sing. Fletcher listened to her, at first carelessly, and then in delight: What a lovely voice the girl had! Suddenly Becky caught his eye, and the ballad died away upon her lips. ‘““T beg your pardon, sir,’’ she faltered, blushing and confused. ‘‘I quite forgot.’’ ‘Did you? Then forget again! If you always sing like that when you forget, why never remember.’’ “Oh, sir!’’ exclaimed Becky, still embarrassed, but nevertheless pleased at the compliment. “T mean it!’? went on Fletcher, enthusiastically. ‘““T forgive the stairs for cricking my knees, I forgive the landing for smashing my hat, I forgive you for forgetting, but until Mr. Chichester comes, you’ve got to sing. Sing sweet and strong, and, while you do, [ll listen, and; and He rose and approached the table. ‘Yes, sir??? ‘And sample the shell-fish,”? _ ecomicbooks (Ee(@) m