Roxy Hastings — page 198: what you’re looking at

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

ROXY HASTINGS. 189 delight to all who came near him, dawned upon Charley’s mind, and he resolved that he would, if possible, try this delicate experiment. Alf would be at home in a month or so, perhaps tired of travel, and more than likely disposed to postpone his for- eign tour until spring. At all events, he would spend some weeks at home, and it would be easy to have Roxy there on a visit to Laura, during that interval. She was so witching and winning in her ways; she was such a little pink of neatness and purity, that Charles was sure his brother must be pleased with her—and _ being once pleased, what might not follow? The shadow of that old grief might gradually pass from his heart, and be fol- lowed by the sunlight of a new, fresh love. So, when Charley’s business was finished, that is, when he had drawn upon Ogilvie for the money he wanted, and _had paid in Tom’s capital, and had handed over the securi- ties (Selby’s notes), and the purchase money for the house and furniture to Mrs. Hastings, making them all feel as if they were a branch of the House of Rothschilds—after all this, he broached the subject of a visit from Roxana to his sister Laura. Roxy blushed at the proposal, and then blushed still deeper to think that she had done so, but Charley did not stop to wonder; he only thought how it heightened her beauty, and wished that Alf could see her now. : “T shall bring Laura with me the next time I come,” he said, ‘and I want you to promise that you will return with us then to New York.” Roxy looked at her mother, who answered for her, smil- ing: She is much obliged to you, and she’ll be very happy to go.” “How do you know, mother ?” “Why, you just told me. Don't you think I can read that transparent face of yours with your whole soul shin- ing right through it?” ; Roxy blushed deeper now, and said to Mr. Lee: “Tt is not necessary for me to say anything, then.” “Not a word; only be ready when we come two or three weeks hence. I will write you a day or two before, and Laura, I am sure, will be delighted. Have you ever been in New York?” ‘‘ Never.” “Oh, that is fortunate ; we shall have so much to show you. Laura will go with you everywhere, and Alf, too, I 7COMICDOO S) co