The Land Claim — page 120: what you’re looking at

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

116 " “(THE LAND-CLAIM. Correct us was the Frenchman’s speech, there was some- thing in the tones of his voice which betrayed his inward disappointment and chagrin. Alicia’s quick sensibility per- ceived it, and she hastened to reply : “Whatever kindness my new-found relative may bestow on me, Mr. Mauvais, it would be impossible I should ever forget your own, or the great obligations I am under for long- continued services. I trust you will believe I am not ungrateful.” “T know you are all that is good and beautiful,” returned Mauvais, gallantly. “ But if you will excuse me, Sir Deming, I will take leave, after having introduced you to your niece, as I must return immediately to the post, to retract orders referring to my contemplated voyage down the river to- morrow.” “We should be very glad to have your company the day after. ” “Much obliged to you. Shall not have any business, however. Good-night.” “Thank God!” fervently Gece Allen, when the door closed on the trader. Sir Deming laughed. “What are you thanking God for, Mr. Allen ?” “For answering the most earnest prayer of my heart, and restoring your niece to proper guardianship.” Sir Deming laughed more heartily than before. “TI hear you have desired to change her proprietorship,” he said, smiling at Alicia; “and, by the way, she has not yet given us her ‘ motives’ for refusing the change. Perhaps my niece is mercenary, and preferred the rich old Frenchman ”” Alicia blushed and looked down, while Mrs. Wyman came to the rescue. “She didn’t prefer him, sir; that wasn’t the way of it, at all. She just thought she must do whatever her father said : and she wouldn’t give it up, sir, not even after he died.” “My dear niece,” said Sir Deming, in an altered voice, “you did well. It was your constancy and obedience which secured my affection for you—for I have not been ignorant of what has occurred—and has restored you to your rights and proper social position.” After a pause the baronet continued : conmicloooks.corm