José — page 290: what you’re looking at

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

JOSE, 283 so young, Pepita, and have the power to shape your destiny—will you calmly yield to the accident of birth and education?” “Oh, itis just what I said to myself when I went with him who snatched me from my wild California life and took me to his parents’ home; withal I had to leave it again,” she said, endeavoring to dis- engage her hand; “let me enjoy my new home which at least does not promise more than it will realize.” When Jose began to describe the situation of the mistress of the house Baumann followed the scene with lively interest; a determination seemed to be slowly shaping his mind. He pulled out his pocket- book, and from the various papers it contained selected one. Just as Jose was turning away from his friend he arose, placing his hand on the latter’s shoulder. “Permit me to say a word and link our fates to- gether, since singularly enough they seem to run in the same groove,” he said. “Would you be kind enough,” he turned to the agitated young woman, “before you decide definitely, to make another visit to the mistress of the house?” She regarded him with a puzzled look. “You have only to give her this letter and ask if the gentleman who sent it may have the pleasure of an interview with her. If she refuses you may rely with some assurance upon this as your future home; in another event let us pray God to render us both happy. Go, and imagine that it is a question put to Providence.” The deep tone and the expression of his eyes betrayed the feelings that swayed his breast. Jose regarded him searchingly and with surprise; then, Gomicboo Ss (E(0) m