The Twin Detectives; or, The Robbers of the Tomb — page 101: what you’re looking at

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

92 THE “TWIN DETECTIVES. advice. As for rank and influence, I would like them, I confess, but I fear I will never obtain them.” “Indeed! You are humble,” said her guest, with a sneer. “No, [am not. Jam too much the other way; but my ambitious dreams have always been brought to an end by the thought that my father is only a servant.” ‘That is no reason for self-abasement. You know you are more beautiful than other women, do you not?” «‘T have been told so,” said Jean, with a bright flush. ‘*And you did not dislike either the informer or the in- formation; that was natural. Now, my. dear, with your beauty and charms, don’t you think you would be throw- ing yourself away sadly if you married a man without a penny?” “Yes,” said Jean, slowly. She now began to think her visitor had come to turn her against Hall. “‘T am glad to find you so sensible. Well, you would not love this poverty-stricken individual any the better if you found out he was the illegitimate son of the late Earl of Cuthbert, would you?” ‘No; certainly not.” Jean said those words very emphatically. Her visitor’s eyes brightened. She liked the tone. «Well, my dear, I am sorry to tell you that the man who now addresses you is both.” What!” | ‘< You are surprised. I was prepared for that.” “‘ And you are his mother ?” “Wait a little; don’t go on so fast. I am supposed to be has mother.” Jean was silent now from pure astonishment, Mrs, Hall continued; m GOMIEHDOOKS. co =