Mrs. Bob: A Novel — page 146: what you’re looking at

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

138 JOK HOOKER IN "HE ARENA. much solicitude over the comfort of your wife twenty years hence, you will do. Richmond at last! All in the car are preparing to leave, and itis easily seen how the trials of along journey are forgotten when the port is reached. Even a lady who has been seasick all the way recovers almost magically, and smiles—she is home and her troubles are forgotten. Senator John shows up, and as soon as the train stops our friends pass out. Presently they are in a vehicle and making for Ford’s hotel. Bob is anxious again—he has given instructions in his dispatch to have his friend Joe meet him here, but can see no sign of him. While at the desk registering, he is given a sealed envelope, which he thrusts into his pocket for the moment. When they are in their rooms he suddenly remembers this and opens it. ‘“Why, it’s from Joe—listen to what he says.’ ‘““DEAR OLD Boy:—Received your dispatch— have been called away this Pp. M., and so can’t meet you on arrival, though I may later. As I promised, at ten o’clock I went to the office of registry, taking with me a friend who is a notary public, and whose sworn document I inclose. ‘‘I conceived an idea that imagined might prove pleasant to you—and while there took a photograph of the page bearing the entry you mentioned. This I at once developed upon reaching home, and if the plate is dry, before I go away will strike off what we call a ‘blue print,’ and inclose it with this, so that you may see for yourself what it is. ‘‘My heartiest congratulations on your marriage— Eomichbooksseco im