Beadle's Dime Novels No. 20: Florida; or, The Iron Will — page 18: what you’re looking at

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

el eS 16 FLORIDA: OR, THE IRON WILL CHAPTER Ill. FLORIDA AND HER DECISION. “ Wet, so you have had a famous evening of it, I suppose. If father were alive I very much doubt whether he would allow these night walks, Virginia.” The elder of the two girls spoke thus, as, standing at the bead of the-narrow staircase, she held a candle that sent faint ‘light into the little entry below. Sufficient, however, to show that the balustrade was black and polished with age, and heavy with rude oaken carving. Enough to give prominence to the stupendous rifle that was slung on one side—the black leather-chain near the porch, and the antique wainscoting over all. The quiet gleam—the masses of deep shadow—the beau- tiful face upon which the candle-light made a red glory, and the shining golden head moving reluctantly up, made a rare icture. Pt f Gon’t think he would care much, out here,” half sighed . the maid, her white hand making reaches over the somber banister—“ we all know every body,” she added. “ Still it is talked about much more than I should wish if I were you,” said Florida, holding one hand over the candle- flame, now that she had turned into another passage where the draft was strong. “Talked about!” cried Virginia, with a little deprecatory motion—* what is talked about ?” ~ They had entered the low-ceiled chamber now, and Florida, placing the candle down, turned. away with a look of gloom darkening all her forehead as she replied : “ Your walking here and there at such unreasonable hours —meeting that boy of a schoolmaster in the woods at night— in unusual places at unusual times. I confess I am out of all patience with you.” 4 : “How do you knowI meet him in the wonds? asked Virginia. Connicloooks.com *