Beadle's Dime Novels No. 20: Florida; or, The Iron Will — page 73: what you’re looking at

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

MISS FANNY. : Ti for he was unquestionably the most elegant man in the room. She wished, perhaps, that she might get him—perhaps she thought she could. She was disappointed when he led her to a seat but could not be charmed into an absorbing conversa- tion; she was less pleased when he left her for another and . not a prettier partner—a young lady who appeared to haye go fear of Madam Grundy, or of society, fashionable or other- wise, before her eyes, but whose manners amused men and shocked maidens. “Indeed, Mr. Dudley, it’s too bad of you to take this tour,” she said, as they paused for a moment; “all the girls fee] dreadfully about it, but I don’t suppose any one would say so for the world, beside myself.” “am much flattered, Miss Fanny,” he replied. “©! you needn’t be, in the least. After all, most of us only care enough for the beaus to dance and flirt with them, you know. I suppose you can say ditto. You, however, would fairly tire the earnest ones out. We get weary of trying, you see.” “Then you confess— “Of course I do.” retorted Miss Fanny, before he could finish his sentence; “of course, we all try; and the success- fal fellow is the best. Why, what do you think we take so much pains to rig up, for, and to show off in this style, if it is not for some specific object? I thought all you men knew it,” she added, naively. — “OQ! no; we are to be supposed entirely ignorant, and look upon you young ladies as so many angels, innocent of all intention to captivate or subdue.” “ Angels”—she gave & light laugh; “you wouldn’t think us angels if you saw us at home. Minnie—that’s my sister— and I, had an awful quarrel .over our ribbons this very night. She wanted blue, and so did I, and neither of us would wear it if the other did.” “ Well, how did you manage?” queried Horace, mucb amused. “OQ! I bought her off with a ring she has longed for this great while. You see I triumph in blue; but [ll make a bargain before many days that will bring back that ring, you'd better believe ”—she tossed her head sagaciously. “ But how commie noooks.con