The Man in Possession — page 74: what you’re looking at

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

THE MAN IN POSSESSION. 69 He was far too interested in Biddy’s communication to let her stray from the subject. With the aid of the enticing liquor of which she was partaking somewhat injudiciously, he managed at last to extract all the information he desired,—the extent of the debt, the amount in hand necessary to equip Miss Kate for the promised visit, and the useful ‘‘surplus” that ought to be in hand for what Biddy termed ‘‘any thrifling contingincies.” He sat by the fire absorbed and thoughtful while the loquacious Irishwoman poured out a stream of never-ending talk. ‘Shall I doit?” he thought. ‘‘They would never know, never guess, and yet’”—he sighed heavily— ‘‘[’m only serving a rival, only throwing her into the arms of temptation. But then, what would she be worth if she couldn’tstand the test. Oh, Kate— proud, beautiful Kate—I—I must know you true, as well‘as proud, noble as well as beautiful; and if it’s wealth you need, Kate, Heaven knows you can have it, freely, ungrudgingly. But will your heart go with you, Kate? Can you love for love’s sake only?” And again he sighed—insomuch that Biddy waxed irate, and demanded to know if he considered him- self ‘‘dacent company for a lonesome famale,” and furthermore added that it would be just as lively to have the rats and black beetles ‘‘ kapin’ Christmas ” with her as this silent and seemingly oppressed youth. Further rebukes, however, were stayed by the ap- pearance of Fletcher to ‘‘relieve guard,” and soSmith COMicloe (Sri C(O)