Beadle's Dime Novels No. 20: Florida; or, The Iron Will — page 38: what you’re looking at

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

—- 86 #LORIDA; OR, THE IRON WILL. “Nof’—and Virginia turns away, feeling tears upon net lashes, and, biting lier lips, strives to choke dowit the struggling sobs. She feels so helpless and yet defiant—almost ready w fly from this roof and seek that of one who, she trusts, is now her protector—and still a thousand fears deter her. The past few hours seem dream-like—can it be possible that she had taken new duties, great responsibilities upon her? That in her keeping the happiness of a human being is placed? that she is no longer to live for herself? that a mysterious union exists between her soul and that of another, which nothing but death ~ can annihilate? And Florida, moving round in her cool, determined way, does she suspect? It would be just like her to know all about it and never give a sign. However, she has some spirit, thank God! A worm will turn, and her ordinary 'meekness shall not master her. She will not tell unless she is forced—and yet, how is it to be known? It must be, before fo while ; but ioe secs. go, Se > ae eT have engaged rooms,” says Florida, “in a quiet, out of _the way court—a genteel place, too. For a time we must depend on sewing, which a friend will furnish us. You remember Johnny McKnight, don’t you 7” ‘Yes, Virginia recollects the red-headed, gawky country-lad, who left the village three years ago. “ Well—he hasa sp.cadid situation in a large tailoring establish- ment, and will give us plenty of work. eee rl learned a trade! You will not need one; but for all that you ; can help me while I am looking round.” ' “JT hate sewing,” says Virginia, under her breath. = i, w <2) well. gout reais hawe 1o cow's greet while.” “Why! pray what are you going to do with me?” asks Virginia, suddenly turning round. “What you will thank me for ;” is the reply. Virginia would answer, but Florida, with her quick step and quicker motion, is gone before there is opportunity, aud 3 Virginia, alcne, trembling, almost repents of the step she has es . . Ss 7 el , Conmmcbooks.com