Beadle's Dime Novels No. 20: Florida; or, The Iron Will — page 52: what you’re looking at

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

—— 50 FLORIDA; OR THE [RON WiLL. over. _ He took a few steps, made a half-bow to the stranger, and vanished through the double baize-door. “This is Mr. Burnéy, I presume.” The lawyer bent his head in-acknowledgment. “T received a letter from you last evening. I am Mise Florida Owen, the daughter of Charles Wiston Owen, of Wilt- | shire, England.” “ Ah!” the lawyer’s face grew all alight. “I remember— the brother of Charles deceased, and left a large fortune. His lawyer immediately placed the business partly in my bands— he is a cousin of mine. I congratulate you, Miss Owen. But, I understand that Mr. Charles Wiston Owen had left a widow.” “ He has, sir; she is, however, most of the time, bed-ridden, and so far gone in intellect, in consequence of protracted illness, that she is wholly inadequate to the transaction of business. I came myself, partly to consult you on that account, and to see if any means could be taken that would put the burden of the trouble upon me, who am so much more able to bear it.” “Js your mother incapable of signing her name ?” asked the lawyer. “T do not know, indeed, sir. It is now seven years that she has been nearly helpless.” “ Your best method, then, would be to lay the matter before her, when she would undoubtediy be willing that you take the responsibility off her hands. There are, however, very few steps to be taken to put you in possession: of this fortune. There is no need of rehearsing what I stated in my letter. You can probably procure your mother’s marriage-certificate, and, if possible, that of your father’s mother, or documents equivalent.” “T have them all here,” said Florida, pointing to her carpet-bag.” , The lawyer smiled. “You have more forethought than some ladies,” he said. “This business does not create any symptoms of nervousness, I sec. Be kind enough to let me examine the papers.” An hour passed, and still Florida sat absorbed in the work » before her. She had listened to explanations and advice—she had heard the story of her uncle’s death, his lonely state, his want of friends—for an avaricious disposition had shut cut conmicloookks.conn