Beadle's Dime Novels No. 20: Florida; or, The Iron Will — page 49: what you’re looking at

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

A GIDDY Hitult. x hd “ Virginia’s heart gave a great bound of relief at the pros- mect of a whole day to herself. She quietly hummed a little air as she adjusted her hair for the night. “T always had an impression,” said Florida, in slow, even tones, “ that I should be rich yet.” “Py sure I hope you will,” responded Virginia. “ And for yourself—have you no ambition?” queried Florida, half round. ° “Not tobe rich,” replied Virginia. “I don’t think [ve any taste for splendor or show of any kind. I should always be contented to liye in this dear little cottage.” “You think so now, but wait awhile. You will be as fond of pleasure, even of gildings and trappings by-and-by, as any one. You don’t. know yourself, Virginia. Wait till you stand where I can place you—it will be a giddy height, but — I'm not afraid of your falling.” Virginia suspended operations to gaze upon Florida. Her manner so absolute in its self-command—her voice so even in its low, firm notes—her air, regal as that of a princess, and correspondingly patronizing as she seemed to look down , "pon Virginia, quite bewildered the young girl, Surely ida was in a stra.ge mood, for, pausing a moment, she took Virginia by the hand, and, without speaking, led her to the old mirror. Conscious of the wonderful beauty that there gazed at her with startled eyes, with a dim perception, also, of her half sister's motive, Virginia blushed and smiled. “There, child, you see what you are, and what I think of you,” said Florida. “Now go to sleep and dream as strange things as you may. I will show you something stranger ‘when you are wide awake some day.” And with this quaint prophecy ringing in her ears, Virginia sought her rest, ba ~~ conmmiclooolksacomn) ;