Beadle's Dime Novels No. 20: Florida; or, The Iron Will — page 94: what you’re looking at

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

52 FLORIDA; OR, THE IRON WILL on her shoulder. Virginia shuddered—strove in vain to brmg forward a claim tu resistance—looked once in Florida’s eyes, and followed her with the instinctive dread with which a noble hound follows a cruel master. | In the different rooms, varied amusements were in progress. A charming balladist had sung; the “stars” of music had thumped the piano out of tune; several recitations had given unalloyed pleasure; and the lecturer on science was hold- ing forth to a select few. Magnetism was the subject under consideration, as Florida and’ Virginia entered the room. * “Suppose you give us some exhibition of your skill,” said a short, thick-set, curly-haired individual, who, from his ‘extreme elegance and laughable dignity, was often called the Duke of Somerset—plain’ Harry Somerset being his name. . At that moment the lecturer caught the eye of Virginia. Completely in the power of one positive nature as she was, the passivity of her system felt the will that was being silently exercised. Left to herself, she went slowly up to the pro- fessor, and stopped short a few paces distant. He motioned her to sit down, and she obeyed him.” She was in precisely the circumstances to be acted upon by a powerfti] mind— wearied with her struggle to maintain a calm exterior in the presence of Parker—fearful of Florida, feeling an op pressive weight on her heart, little short of despair, as she - “a thought of w’s manner when he left her—longing for rest, let it come in what shape it would. There was something soothing in the glance of the professor—her eyes dwelt upon his and brightened, as if they had received power in the look. He motioned her to a seat. With an innocent smile she obeyed him. He advanced and fixed his gaze steadily upon her. The crowd was hushed—Florida stood by, breathless and eager. Virginia sunk back, still smiling ; and, closing her eyes, With an occasional struggle against the drowsiness that was fast creeping over her, she was soon asleep. ; 4 “This is a splendid subject,” said the professor, looking eagerly. round. “The whole thing has been done almost withont the consent of either. Madam,” he added. addressing comlicoooks.conn