The Dugdale Millions — page 306: what you’re looking at

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

296 THE DUGDALE MILLIGN a. have upon himself and Bessie. He was sure of her, That she would be true to him he did not doubt. He determined that, notwithstanding what demand Mr. Hetlow might make, he would refuse to give up the promise of her hand, and that he would abide by such refusal and its consequences. He made no doubt that in the event of such refusal Mr. Hetlow would ‘ insist upon the severance of their business relation, While he recognized this was in a measure greatly to be regretted, nevertheless, he felt that it was not wholly a disaster, for his reputation in the trade was high, and that he could quickly establish a new relation, which, if it did not promise as well for the future, would be immediately as advantageous, Its effect upon Bessie, however, was what troubled him most. Whether she would be willing to accept disinheritance and leave her home he had grave doubts. He recognized that it was a serious situa- tion for her, and felt it would be too much to ask of her immediately. He therefore determined that he would go no further with Mr. Hetlow than to refuse to break his relations with Bessie, to promise nothing, and then to be guided by future develop- ments. During the morning Mr. Stanton had wandered about in a moody frame of mind, unable to settle himself upon any occupation. As the hour ap- proached for them to go to “The Larches” he said to Dick’: “T bound myself by a foolish promise not to say anything to you about an event which will occur. 1 have made up my mind that I will not violate that promise in any way, by warning you to be prepared for an attack upon yourself in a matter which, I pre- sume, is nearer your heart just at present than any other thing in the world.” ‘i understand’ ‘you, sir, “replied Dick, *aners thank you for the warning. I know quite as well what it will be, as if you had told me, I have been Comiclooks 3