Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 221: what you’re looking at

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

204 REYNOLDS’ WORKS tion. Besides, Juliana is not more likely to be swayed by her mother’s will than Constance herself was. But, ah! now that I reflect, from certain words which our father let drop when he was having a private conversation with me the day before yesterday on the eve of his departure, I gleaned that he entertains no pleasant feeling toward Lady Saaoadale: He believes that his nephew Harold Staunton is her ladvship’s paramour, and that at her instigation he has done some very bad deeds. However, we must wait till the return of the marquis ere we can decide upon any step to be taken by yourself in respect to Juliana. Do not be discouraged, dear Frank, by what I have just been saying in respect to Lady Saxondale. Although we have known our dear father but for a few days, we have nevertheless seen enough of him, and likewise experienced ample proofs, to convince us that he will in all things study the happiness of each of us. During the interval that he will remain absent, it is for you to look deeply into your heart, to assure yourself that this is a sincere and permanent affection which you entertain for Miss Farefield; and if you come to the con- clusion that the felicity of your life is centred in her, I have no doubt our father will take such measures as shall crown your most fervid aspirations.”’ ‘ Dearest sister, | thank you, oh, I thank you for these assurances!’ exclaimed Frank. ‘‘ How rejoiced I am that I have at length revealed my secret to you! Often and often have I been on the point of confessing it. It has wavered upon my lips, and then | have felt on indeser yin? confusion, a bashfulness, an apprehension — ‘“T understand you, my dear brother,”’ een Miss Paton, with an affectionate look. } “ But you, Elizabeth,’’ quickly rejoined Frank, “is it really possible that you have never experienced even the most transient sentiment which might be deemed bordering upon love? ”’ ‘Never, Frank! Perhaps you cannot comprehend such a heart as mine, and yet, as I have before told you, it has hitherto escaped even the faintest impression of a tender character.’’ | ‘““T have often seen the Marquis of Villebelle,”’ said Frank. ‘He is very handsome, possesses a highly intellectual countenance and fascinating manners, Do you think, Gomicbooks (E(0)