Mrs. Bob: A Novel — page 49: what you’re looking at

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

THE VIRGINIAN HOODWINKED. 41 few minutes was ushered into the room where I first saw your grandfather, the eccentric millionaire, and owner of Gordon manor. “IT needn’t tell you how I was impressed, for every one whoever came in contact with the old gentleman must have been struck that way. ‘“He was in bed, bolstered up, and looked like a very sick man, though there was no doctor present. “At sight of me he sat up and called out: ** “Well, sir, who are you?’ ‘Tl explained how I happened to be near by when his man was starting fora white man, and that he had brought me in. ‘“The old gentleman was eying me closely from under his bushy brows all the while, and when I finished he burst out with: ‘* “You will do—I believe Heaven must have sent you to mein this hour. Draw upachair. I have much to say to you. What is your name?’ ‘T told him, and begged that I might go for some of his neighbors or friends, at which he burst into a fierce laugh. ‘¢ “Rriends—Squire Gordon has none save the old school-teacher, and for whom Octavius was going when he met you. Friends—I distrust them all— they think of my money only—I knew no peace until I got rid of all but honest black friends and servants —and only precious little then. Sit down and listen, while I tell you strange things, you whom Heaven has sent here in this hour, which may be my last.’ “T could not refuse—besides, I confess, something like curiosity urged me to remain. GOMIIGcdooks (CO) im a)