Laura Brayton — page 75: what you’re looking at

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

66 | LAURA BRAYTON. “Will you pay a visit with me, Monsieur Maret?” he asked. - . “A visit? You will not go upon ze promenade wiz zat face, mon ami?” “Yes; why not?” and the young man smiled at the expression of surprise which marked the face of the Frenchman. “I shall muffle up my face to keep. from catching cold, so that there will be too little of my temporary ugliness seen to endanger any hysterical attack should I meet any of the fair sex. lam going to see the gallant fireman who was unsuccessful in the attempt which I emulated. He was so badly hurt they had to carry him home.” Putnam now made preparations for his walk. While doing so a servant brought him a note, written in a delicate hand. | His face exhibited signs of excitement as he read it. To appreciate the cause, we too must know its contents. “My kind friend, my self-constituted guardian has approached the climax of persecution. He now threatens to force me to an abhorrent marriage with a ruffian whom he holds under his control. Starvation and imprisonment are the least of the evils which he threatens if I continue to refuse to obey him. Were it death instead, I would hail it with pleasure before I would consent to his wishes, Jam allowed but little time to decide, and being closely watched, can only write a few words to in- form you, whom I know to be my friend, how I am situated. Ihave read of your brave act at the fire. Heaven bless you and save me. LAURA.” “This must be seen to at once. She must be res- cued from his power and that speedily!” said the comicbooks.com —