Ruby's Reward — page 40: what you’re looking at

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

Ghe roon). | “You must exense this little dornestic by-play, Mr Richardgon,” said Mv Gordon, turning to Walter, as she disappeared, while a tender smile still lingered on his lips ; ‘“Sbut I have no chileken, and I lave always nade a pet of my younger sister. I must confess to a weakness for liking to see her at her pvettiest, so it has been my eustom to have her come to me whenever she is dresse{ for company. But T thank you for civing me so much of your time this evening, I fear that I have detained you longer than J ought.” ‘Indeed, lam very glad to have been able to explain your plans to you, and T am at your service at any time, if My Conant should be engaged, and I can render you any further assistance,” Walter rephied, as he bowed himself out, and turned to leave the house. In the hall he encountered Edmund Cat- penter face to face. So itera, Edmund after all, as he had feared, who was to escort Miss Cordon to Mrs White’s lawn party, and a thrill ot pain shot through his heart at this confir- mation of his fears. Young Carpenter seemed much surprised to see Walter theie, and the old frown of annoyance clouded his face as he recog- nised him. He hat not seen him since he had told him he could not accept his offer, but had decided to take hiy future into his own hands, “‘Very well,” he had coldly replied. ‘I suppose there is nothing to prevent your doing as you please.” And that was all that had been said upon the subject. Now, however, curiosity prompted him to stop him, while he remarked, with some- thing of saicasm in his tones ; “Really. Walter, Iwas not aware that you were a visitor to this house. ’ “T am not,” Walter replied, “ I merely came upon a matter of business for Ml Conant.” comicboots.com|