The Dugdale Millions — page 298: what you’re looking at

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

288 THE DUGDALE MILLIONS, in endeavors to have the box found. She had fre- quently slipped into the library alone, and as fre- quently drawn out the drawer in which it was, leav- ing it open in the hope that someone would discover it. But as frequently someone had gone in and closed it. She had even taken precautions on one occasion to take out all of the old papers with which she had covered it in order that it might attract at- tention, resting alone in the drawer. But even then someone had closed the drawer without seeing the box she so much desired to be discovered, through no agency of hers. Yet notwithstanding her inge- nious efforts the box remained persistently hidden. During the afternoon of the next day Lord Merri- mount and Bessie came over to Springhill, the avowed purpose of their call being to inquire after Dick and his injuries. As subsequent events de- veloped it was shown that each had a purpose care- fully concealed from the other. Notwithstanding Mr. Hetlow’s opposition, Bessie had accompanied Lord Merrimount at the latter’s request. Her father, in- deed, had made no objection at the time of Merrt- mount’s suggestion, that is, in words, although the cloud that gathered upon his brow showed Bessie he was much displeased. She was not deterred, how- ever, and promptly supported the young noble- man’s proposition, and together they walked away, leaving her father to deal with his wrath as best he might. On arrival at Springhill, they found the family gathered on the veranda. Dick was bearing the marks of his fall, shown in severe cuts on his face and hard bruises, while he was so stiff and sore he could move only with difficulty. Their conversation dealt with the events of the preceding day, and Mr. Stanton again argued his belief that the assault upon Dick was in some way to be traced to Harold Pierson or those associated with him. As they talked Bessie Comicbooclk C@ 3