Roanoke of Roanoke Hall: A Romance — page 116: what you’re looking at

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

110 Roanoke of Roanoke Hall, . removed his broad hat and cloak, thereby displaying the tonsure and apparel of a priest of the Roman Catholic Church, whose open presence in England, even in the face of the new Toleration Act, would not have been without danger to himself, so extreme was the fear and hatred cherished by the people against holders of that faith. Old Stephen Ashland seemed mightily taken aback at this unexpected move on the part of his opponent, for such he evidently was. ‘¢Come, come, man,” continued John o’ Compton, marking his hesitation. ‘‘ Hast thou not had enough and to spare of these shilly-shally methods? ”*I'would have gone hard with thee had I shown such a giddy, wavering spirit, more times than one ere now.” ‘But why so eager, John ; why so eager ?” remarked the old man petulantly. <‘‘There are scores of maidens younger and fairer than she for you to pick and choose from.” ‘‘ What matter is that to thee? *Tis I that wish to wed with her, not thou. Say ’tis my comichbooks.com