The Dugdale Millions — page 28: what you’re looking at

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

18 THE DUGDALE MILLIONS. announced to Bessie that her father would be pleased to see her in the library. Bracing herself for the shock she was convinced she was to sustain, and assuming the demurest expression she could summon, Bessie descended to the room, which from her earliest childhood had been associated with scoldings, punishment, and serious affairs. The affectionate greeting of her father surprised her, for she was nerved to encounter stern looks and reproaches. ‘Since you have been from home, Bessie,’”’ he said, as he led her to a recessed window where he sat down with her, ‘‘I have received extraordinary news. Before I relate it, I must warn you to receive it with all the self-command you can summon, and also not to build too many hopes upon it, because the matter is not definitely settled. The chances are, I think, that our hopes will be realized. But in either event, I hope to see you bear yourself in a modest and womanly way, and in either event, I am quite certain your qualities of mind and heart will be severely tested.’’ This exordium greatly whetted the curiosity of Bessie, who was unable to perceive in what direction it tended. Mr. Hetlow related the story he had told Mason some days previously, differing only in that he dwelt more strongly upon the possibility of finding the missing grandson; nevertheless he could not deny him- self the pleasure of dilating upon the brilliant future possible for her. When he had finished, her first remark increased his respect for her. “It will be an awful responsibility,’’ she said. ‘‘I shrink from the thought of it.’’ She was sobered by the tale, not elated. Dreams of a more brilliant existence did not have place with her, upon the contrary she was saddened by the thought of so much riches, **Perhaps the young man will be found,’’ she con- Comicbooclk C@ 3