The Dugdale Millions — page 46: what you’re looking at

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

36 THE DUGDALE MILLIONS. Bessie was now thoroughly angry. Why would he so persistently force on her the fact that he was her father’s clerk. ‘“‘Why don’t you add ‘my employer?’ ’’ she demanded angrily. ‘‘My employer,’’ obediently added Dick. This prompt compliance did not mend matters. With a contemptuous ejaculation she walked to the other end of the room, turned, swept to the window, through which she gazed amoment. Suddenly she faced him. ‘‘I do not know why I should be insulted in my own house.” Dick was no less angry than she, but he was under better control. And it needed all his self-control to repress the angry retort which leaped to his lips. He held his peace, looking sternly at her. When he did reply it was with a dignity of manner and an emphasis of tone which challenged her admiration, angry as she was. ‘‘Miss Hetlow,’’ he said. ‘“*‘When you have time to review this conversation, you will acquit me of any insult, or attempt at insult.’’ ‘“You charge me with wishing to seize this property whether I have a right to it or not,’’ she replied hotly. **I am not aware that any words spoken by me this afternoon can be so construed,’’ he answered firmly. “If your words did not convey that meaning your manner did,’’ she replied sharply. ‘‘And that has been most offensive.’’ Dick was very irritating. He was so calmly supe- rior, and so entirely polite, that he evaded the coming to close quarters she so much desired, and therefore she determined to force the war. **Do you suppose I want these millions?’’ she asked. **That I long for them? Dream of them of nights and hug the idea of their possession with pleasure by day? Comicloo cS C@ 3}