The Dugdale Millions — page 193: what you’re looking at

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

REBELLIOUS INDEPENDENCE. 182 said nothing to Bessie. And yes—Wallis told me, he believed that Bessie regarded him disdainfully. “As was quite proper,” said Mr. Hetlow loftily. “There is a great difference between them—a great social difference. It is very presumptuous of him.” The poor lady in her fright and confusion stumbled into the remark, which of all others was calculated to allay Mr. Hetlow’s anger. “ You shouldn't feel it that way,’ she said. “It is only presumptuous of him to ask her to marry him. Any man may love. It is when he tells of his love that he is to be blamed. He thinks Bessie regards him only as her father’s clerk. You cannot blame him for loving so beautiful a girl as Bessie. Were he to make love to her then you might blame him.” Mr. Hetlow was placated. POY he exciaimed. “I understand the situae tion to be then that he nourishes an undeclared pas- sion for Miss Hetlow. I have always believed him to be aman of high honor. It seems he is guided now by honorable purposes.” Mrs. Stanton heaved a hugh sigh of relief as she caught at his words and said no more, leaving him to his belief. Mr. Hetlow, however, was greatly dis- huroecd, . mie Mudgee about for seme time, and finally, with a little asperity in his tones, called Bes- sie to him to return home. His daughter obediently left the game and walked away with her father. She noticed that something had occurred to annoy him and also the coolness with which he treated Dick when he parted from him. As soon as they were out of earshot her father said abruptly: “T have heard an astonishing piece of news.” Supposing it to relate to the all-engrossing topic, she asked indifferently : “Something about Mr. Pierson?” Comicboclk C@ 3