The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 154: what you’re looking at

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

THE FREEMASONS DAUGHTER. 145 ‘“‘Of course you must! whoever doubted it for a moment ?” replied the merchant. ‘ Would you balance the honour of your uncle’s name against the glance of a wanton’s eye? No words: I know what young blood is, and have no wish to play the Mentor with you: of course I cannot allude to any serious attachment, well knowing that you have never formed such.” ** Perhaps you are in error, sir.” ‘Well, well, I have no time to discuss that now; time enough for me to listen to such nonsense when you return.” “‘ And you will listen to it?’ demanded the young man, his eyes flashing with hope. “‘T listen to everything,” replied Grindem gravely. ‘“ And now, Henry, make what preparation the time will allow. You must start for Hamburgh in three days, in order to catch the monthly steamer which starts for Cronstadt As my nephew,’ he added, “ and in order that you may have a right to act for the firm, I have ordered a deed of partnership to be prepared, in which your name will follow mine, and, when I am gone, replace it.”’ “Uncle,” exclaimed the astonished Henry Beacham, seizing him by the hand, “ I am ready; I were indeed an ingrate, could I hesitate an instant after such gene- rous conduct!” Little did the speaker imagine how deep a snare the supposed generosity of the heartless Gilbert Grindem | concealed ! VOL. I. L COniiclooecl SS (SO