A Struggle for a Ring — page 72: what you’re looking at

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

68 WELCOMING A SON-IN-LAW. Alas for the heir of Roseneath! There was a grand family consultation held as to what would be the best thing for supper; John Derwent was pleased to think that there was an absolute necessity for the purchase of some little luxury. Alice had written to say that her husband and herself would be there by seven in the evening, and Mrs. Derwent said, naturally enough, they would want something to eat. ‘*T should get tea, with ham and sausages,” said Hettie, who had a great liking for those dainties. Her mother agreed, observing to John Derwent that Hettie really was a blessing to them, she was so quick and so decided, so ready of resource. Mr. Derwent did not see much resource in sausages, but he wisely said nothing. At a quarter to seven the whole family assembled in great force in the front parlor, and it was almost as good as a party, Hettie said. Mrs. Derwent looked round doubtfully. ‘*T almost think,” she said, ‘‘ that we ought to have had a little wine.” ‘“A bottle of sherry at one-and-six,” said the dancing- master; ‘‘it would Have looked better.” ‘“We have no decanters, papa,” said Frank, the hope of the family; ‘‘those people who cannot afford decanters should not buy wine.” He was instantly ordered to be silent. ‘“The bare idea,” Mrs. Derwent said, ‘‘of a boy like 3 him interfering at a time like this. ” _ Then Mrs. Derwent declared that she felt quite weak— the excitement was really too much for her. She had never expected a daughter of hers to marry so well. Upon which Miss Hettie said, quickly; GComicbooks.co