Beadle's Dime Novels No. 20: Florida; or, The Iron Will — page 92: what you’re looking at

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

Of) FLORIDA; OR, THE IRON WILL. ' “Every day,” he replied; “and ef moonlight nights I always walk round there, and fancy you at one of the win- dows, or sewing inside, if the blinds are drawn. You know, of course, that Bartol, the gardener, had hired the place. I expect he will make it a little paradise. I half like Florida for her determination not to sell it.” “If mother was only herself,’ said Virginia, sadly, with a deep sigh. “And what then ?” “She would give me that little cottage, then you and I could keep school together there.” Parker’s face said, “ How pleasant it would be!” but he did not speak. | “T know mother loves me dearly,” Virginia said; “but Florida has supreme control; poor mother is as passive in her hands as a child, and, I hate to say it, but she seems afraid of her. ‘To change the subject, however,” she added, making san «gitort to be gay, “you look after Rennie, I “Ol! yes; I visit the good creature for your sake, and talk to her too, I am not ashamed toadd.” | “To be sure—why not? Many is the pleasant chat Rennie and I have had together. I believe she understood half I said.” “Uncle Barby is one of the most grateful creatures I ever saw ‘JI tell you what, he said to me the other day, ‘when you git so that you can bless the Lord for nothing, He'll give you something to bless him for; and he went on, giving thanks after his fashion.” “'That’s a lesson for you, Parker,” Virginia said. “T know it;” and the old unhappy look came back. “TI must go,” he added, rising, “ while I am in this mood. are dancing, I suppose. Shall you join them t” | “No, indeed,” responded Virginia, “I never dance. TI shall go straight to mother’s room, and then to bed.” * “Good-night, my blessed, blessed wife.” “ Good-night.” One moment they were folded in a close embrace; the next, Florida was looking in, a strange gleam in her eyes. “O! here yoa are, Virginia; I've been looking for you comliclooks.com