Bob Younger's Fate — page 164: what you’re looking at

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

BOB YOUNGER’S FATE. S65 _ with the same mocking smile as of old bade her prisoner a good-morning. What a wonderful change she exhibited from the : modest waiting-maid of yesterday! ‘“How well you look to-day. Like a very queen, in fact. By the way, that is a pet name which has often been applied to your humble visitor. Your lover was accustomed to call me Queenie, a name which I thought was extremely pretty, coming as it did from his lips.”’ Myra paid no attention to this thrust, her calm face not giving any sign that it had even been heard. ‘“You evidently don’t believe me?’’ ‘What is your errand ?”’ “To bring you your breakfast. You must really excuse our lack of hospitality, which at the present is unavoidable. . Our larder is almost empty, but we have great hopes that it will shortly be replenished to overflowing. And whose money do you imagine will bring about this magic change?’’ ‘‘It does not interest me in the least.’’ “But it doubtless will when I tell you that our good fortune comes to us through Theo Howard. Of course, my dear woman, you look incredulous—I expected that; but incredulity does not obliterate truth. As you have nothing else to do, just listen to a charming story which has the additional recom- mendation of being all true, and which in the tell- ing will not interfere with the progress of the plot, because its consummation can scarcely be _ pre- vented now.”’ : With this introduction Irene began the relation of the story as has been narrated in these pages, omitting all reference to Theo’s experiences after his supposed death and burial; and Myra was forced to believe when she saw the conspiracy in all its im- — mensity. | “But what will be done with me?’’ she asked, quaking at heart on account of her deadly peril. “Oh, the band will decide your fate,” the other - replied, quietly; “I have nothing to do with that. - Only pray that the kindest and best behaved one of Eomicboo cS (e(o)