The Argosy — page 100: what you’re looking at

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

Court Netherleigh. 85 from her own rank and become one with this trader! Was the world coming to an endP But as the two men stood gazing at one another, neither of them speaking, the Earl began to revolve in his mind the pros of the matter, as well as the cons. Lady Grace was no longer young; she was growing thin and rather cross, for she had been before the world ten years, with no result. Would it be so bad a match for her? “T will settle an ample income upon her,” spoke Mr. Grubb. ‘And your unpaid bonds—there are many of them, my lord—I will return into your hands: all of them. ‘Thus your debt to me will be cancelled, and, so far as I am concerned, you are a free man again.” “T cannot be that. Iam at my wits’ end now for two thousand pounds.” “You shall have that.” ‘“Higad, Grubb’s a generous fellow!” cogitated the Earl, “and it will be a famous thing for Grace: if she can only think so. Have you ever spoken to Grace of this,” he asked, aloud. ao: Lady Grace? No.” “Do you think Grace likes you?” continued Lord Acorn, remem- bering how attractive a man the merchant was. ‘Do you think she will accept you ?” “T am not speaking of Lady Grace.” “No!” repeated the Earl, opening his eyes wider than usual. ‘Which of them is it, then P” “Lady Adela.” If Lord Acorn had been startled when he thought the object of this proposal was Grace, he was considerably more startled now. ‘Adela! young, beautiful, and haughty—she would never have him. His first impulse was to indignantly reject the proposition ; his second thought was, that he was trammelled and dared not. “JT cannot force Adela’s inclinations,” he said, after an awkward pause. “Neither would I take a wife whose inclinations require to be forced,” returned Mr. Grubb. ‘‘ Pray understand that.” “My lord,” cried a servant, entering the library, ‘her ladyship wishes to know how much longer she is to wait dinner?” “Dinner!” exclaimed the Earl. ‘ By Jove! I did not know it was so late. Grubb, will you join us, sans ceremonie ?” It was not the first time, by many, Mr. Grubb had dined there. He followed the Earl into the drawing-room. Lady Acorn was in it, a little woman, all fire and impatience; especially just now, for if one thing put her out more than another, it was that of being kept waiting for her meals. The five daughters were there: they need not be describec. Grace, little and plain, but nevertheless with a nice face, and eight-and-twenty, was the eldest; Adela, whom you have already seen, and a very flower of beauty, was the youngest. Four daughters GOMINIGIOOKS (CO)