Darke Darrell, the Boy Detective — page 55: what you’re looking at

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

46 ) DARKE DARRELL. «Why, no!” in surprise, and a little indignant. “ Oh, you are looking at that picture. I appeared in a tableau at a church festival. Don’t you see the flukes of the an- chor?” «¢ You represented Hope,” his face’ brightening. *‘ Leo- tine, let me have this?” | ‘No,” she said; ‘‘I will give you a better picture. An ivory-type, set with pearls. ‘To-morrow, most likely.” ‘©T’l] wait,” Darke said, with a smile. They sat on the sofa, and talked. Aunt Carlina came in, carrying a lamp. ‘‘T’ll conduct you to your room, Mr. Darrell,” she said. ‘No; I will, aunt!” cried Leotine, crossing the room, and taking possession of the lamp. She evidently was used to haying her own way, pretty much. ‘“Which room?” she asked. ‘‘Third story, front,” answered the woman. _ £€No,” and Leotine spoke decidedly, her face darkening. ‘<The room next to the library.” Her aunt shot her a dissatisfied glance, but interposed no objection. Darke wondered what Leotine’s reasons were for selecting another room. She beckoned to him to follow her. Once more he trav- ersed the wide stair-way, then the entry above. She pushed open a door. ‘< Wait,” she said. She entered the room, lit the gas, then returned. ‘““] wish you a pleasant good-night,” fondness in her eyes. “‘Oh, one thing, Darke. You are here as a guest, not as a detective. As my guest.” She seemed to have rare discernment, when the need came. ‘Tl not violate your hospitality,” Darke said at once, and earnestly, comicbooks:com