Beadle's Dime Novels No. 20: Florida; or, The Iron Will — page 77: what you’re looking at

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

THE CITY HOME. vi) no objection, Miss Owen,” he added, turning to Florida, who moved uneasily, but said, “oh! no,” in as careless a voice as she could assume, though her heart fairly ached with envy and rage. “Tam glad we met him,” said Virginia, as the carriage started again, and both voice and manner implied that what- ever unpleasant impression she might have had was now obliterated. The scornful curl of her sister’s lip was her only answer ; but Virginia, too happy now to heed opposition of any kind, smiled as she sunk back in her seat, her hope and her love undiminished. Proceeding now without delay, they soon reached the city, where the uneven motion of the carriage awoke the invalid, who gazed around her in bewilderment that soon merged into a childish delight. : “ What are you stopping here for, Florida?” Virginia asked, on seeing her sister apparently ready to get out. “Because this is our home,” said Florida, calmly. “This! this elegant house? I can’t understand it, Florida, it must be a mistake.” . “We shall find it out, soon enough, if it is,” said Florida— and, like one in a dream, Virginia descended the steps of the carriage and was motioned up those of the house by a servant who stood near. Astonishment had given her a fine bloom, and through the little, gauzy vail that fell from her bonnet, her face was most charming. Entering the vestibule, and striving for command to sustain this altogether novel position, she encountered the respectful gaze of Horace Dudley. It was at ence admiring and reverential ; for he saw before him, more being of whom he had thought and even dreamed so often, since that chance meeting years 2g0. It flashed over Virginia’s mind on the moment that Florida had engaged to fill some position in this gentleman’s house- hold, and she was quite confounded at the humble courtesy of a middle-aged woman who asked if she should show “ Miss” to her room. Virginia assented, stid dumb with wonder, and, following the woman, landed in the hall above, from whick ~yened a suite of rooms, splendid enough in her sight for 9 connicloooks.c@