The Dugdale Millions — page 78: what you’re looking at

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

68 THE DUGDALE MILLIONS. indifferent to Bessie’s interests without revealing to her the feelings he had confessed he had entertained. At best Wallis was unsatisfactory. The question was, and this Wallis did not answer, Was Bessie convinced? He endeavored to induce her to say more. ‘*Was this the news you desired to give me?”’ ‘“*Mercy, no! I had nearly forgotten. Who do you think is coming to visit Mr. Hetlow—all the way from England?"’ ‘*The Prince of Wales?’’ ‘Nonsense! Yet pretty nearly as great a person- age. Lord Merrimount, second son of the Duke of Mountchessington—a_ real — live — English—noble- man.** ‘The dev I mean you don’t say so.”’ “‘T just do mean tosayso! Now what do you think of that? He comes introduced by the Dugdale family solicitor.”’ “‘What is he coming here for?”’ Wallis turned upon him with intense scorn. ‘“‘Now just stand up and look me in the eyes. There! Now what else do you suppose he’s coming for than 2 **Than what?”’ ““Why to propose for Bessie, of course.’’ **Does he send that word?”’ “Well, are not men stupid! Did hesend that word? No, he didn’t. Of course not.’’ “Then how do you know?”’ ““Why gracious, what dullness! The Dugdale solicitor is also the solicitor of the Duke’s family. He knows that Bessie is heir to the untold Dugdale millions. The Duke’s family are not rich, and so he sends young Lord Merrimount over here to make love to Bessie, so as to restore the fortunes of the ducal family. Why it’s so plain any one, but you, could see it. Didn't the letter say that he would make a proposition relative to the Dugdale estate which he Conniclooo S ( (