The Dugdale Millions — page 95: what you’re looking at

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

A FATEFUL ARRIVAL. 85 What Mr. Hetlow’s opinion was as to the meaning of the young nobleman’s visit no one knew, for he had expressed none, however slight. If he shared that pre- vailing at ‘‘The Larches’’ he must have been greatly surprised when that object was unfolded. With little hesitation and in a simple and direct man- ner, Lord Merrimount set forth that the family estates were heavily burdened. The cost of maintaining the various places which made up the estate was heavy, and, as misfortune had followed upon misfortune, the personal property of the family had been so greatly reduced that it was only with the greatest difficulty that the yearly obligations could be met. This was the condition of affairs when the family solicitor, also bearing the same relation to the Dugdale estate, had proposed, in view of the fact that the sole heir to the Dugdale estate was a woman, who probably would not care to continue the business, that the Duke of Mount- chessington should purchase an interest in the business, and place his second son inthe concern as a partner, the proceeds of which partnership should be devoted to lifting the family burden. To that end Lord Mer- rimount had come to offer fifty thousand pounds in cash for such interest as could be mutually agreed upon. This proposition had just been submitted when Dick’s note was presented to Mr. Hetlow. Excusing himself to Merrimount, Mr. Hetlow, after reading the note, said that the letter was in touch with the very subject they were 1n conference over. Asking permission to answer it, he did so by requesting Dick to present himself at once. Then turning to Merri- mount, he said that it was not yet determined whether his daughter was the heir. He related to the young nobleman the tale with which the reader is familiar, and concluded by saying that the note he had just read was from one of his most trusted assistants, and to whom was confided the search for the young Dug- dale, Continuing, he said: Comicbool< C@© 3