Octavia's Pride; or, The Missing Witness — page 42: what you’re looking at

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

$9305 OCTAVIA’S PRIDE. We might talk forever, and neither could change the other’s views. You know I have my own plans for the future, and that I deferred them to come and assist you here, according to your earnest request. Upon my word, father, I think I have got beyond my usefulness here. That old man is a villain, and will play you false, take my word for it.” ‘¢ Let him be a villain; it does not matter to me, so that I get this testimony out of him,” was the crusty reply. ‘But what is a villain’s testimony worth? I tell you he has a sardonic smile which assures me he means to turn upon you some way.” ‘“How can he do that? Let him but give his testimony on oath that Gustavus Wainwright took the name of Au- _ gustus Middleton when he married Captain Robert’s daugh- ter, and that the ceremony was a legal one, and he may turn — as much and as often as he pleases. I shall be safely established as the heir of the Wainwright property.” ‘«“And that poor old man, and the young lady?” said Maurice Middleton, sorrowfully. ‘‘ Father! father! what do we three men want of riches? Leave the poor Wain- wrights undisturbed, 1 beg of you!” ‘Right is right. Why should I be defrauded of my father’s due? And you may spare your sympathy for the young lady. - Felix will look after her welfare. He seems very much in love with her.” ‘“And here he comes. I Will leave you to discuss the subject, for I presume the conversation will entirely concern the case of Middleton vs. Wainwright, and will spare him any trepidation on my account.” | As he spoke he crossed the room toward a door opposite that upon whose threshold appeared a rather fine-looking, well-dressed gentleman, some half a dozen years older than Maurice. | The elder Mr. Middleton advanced to meet the new- comer, with a smile of eager welcome, comicbooks