A Final Triumph; or, A Lady Bachelor — page 31: what you’re looking at

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

A SECRET. 29 CHAPTER IV. A SECRET. LAURENCE ADAMS was some years older than George Edicett, and yet they had been for a while college com- panions. Laurence was in the Senior when George en- tered the Freshman class. Accident had thrown them together, and afterward there had followed a warm friend- ship, which was continued when both had entered upon a business career. George was rich; Laurence had a fortune to make. He was in the midst of the struggle when our narrative opens. He was an honorable man, a direet oppo- site in almost every personal characteristic, save in his hon- orableness, from his friend. One was studious, and not inclined toward society; the other was fond of society, and entered heartily into all manner of amusements. _ The conversation between the two men had reached a critical and dramatic point. George had said, ‘‘ Advise me how to get over this dilemma,’’ and a long silence fol- lowed the appeal. When Laurence spoke there was a freezing coldness in tone and manner. ‘*T do not think I am so constituted that I can advise. you.”” ‘* ] thought you were my friend?’’ ‘**T am the strong friend of that in you which is your better nature; this darker side of your character which. has just been disclosed does not attract my friendship. I repeat, i can not see how I can aid you. Shall I speak plainly??? Gomichbooks com,