The Dugdale Millions — page 303: what you’re looking at

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

THE DECISIVE BLOW. 293 given me permission to do so. Nor did I tell him that you had accepted my suit. Upon the contrary ft said that you had given me no more assurance than permission to hope.” “ He must have thought then,” replied Wallis nerv- ously, “that you came to him ona very slight founda- tion.”’ “Do not say that itis slight, ’ he implored earnestly. Something in Wallis’s manner made him add quickly: “T do not intend to press my suit to-night ; I do not want to frighten you, nor do I wish you to think that my conference with your uncle was an endeavor to coerce you, but I felt that I ought to make my intention known, so that there would be no misappre- hension as to my purpose. While your uncle was pleased to say that be saw no objection to me as a man, he did as a nobleman ‘ “That 1s just it,” interrupted Wallis impulsively. Then, perceiving the significance that might be given to her words, she tried to withdraw them, but Merri- mount pursued the advantage she had given him. @7f is my, misfortune, he said, “not my. tault. cannot very well divest myself of the station into which £ was born. But I would willingly try, if it were to stand between us. I beg you will look upon it as something inherent to my birth, as you would :00k upon some slight deformity, and not be cruel be- cause of it.” He took her hands in his and looking down upon her tenderly, without speaking for a moment or two, finally said : “Wallis, I doubt if it is in my power to make you Know how sincere and earnest is the love I bear you. I have looked deeper into your nature than you think. I know the sterling quality of your heart and mind. I know how true, how loyal, how unselfish you are, and if you will but permit me, I will make you my bride and bear you in triumph. proudly, to those whe Comicloo® S 5}