The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 159: what you’re looking at

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

150 THE FREEMASONS DAUGHTER. well know, a thumping one—so no bones about it— how much, and have done with it ?”’ The generous, off-handed way in which the offer was made, touched the heart of his friend. Grasping the speaker by the hand, he thanked him, but at the same time assured him that he was not indebted fifty pounds in the world. “No,” repeated William, with a look of surprise. ‘‘ Why, what the deuce is 1t then ?”’ ‘TI am in love—deeply, devotedly in love.” His listener bounded from his chair, as if a spring in every joint had suddenly been loosened, and made sundry gyrations, something after the manner of a dancing dervise. Beacham’s being in love explained everything—neglect and seeming coldness, “In love!’ he exclaimed. ‘ What a fool I must have been not to have foreseen it! I am as glad as if they had repealed the corn laws, or opened free trade —ay, and gladder too. Do you remember, Harry,” he added, ‘‘ when boys, that if one got into a scrape, the other was sure to tumble into it, too ?”’ ‘© What then ?” demanded his friend, with a smile. “Why, that the old luck still follows me. It’s sympathy, I suppose; for, Harry, I am in love, too.” | “You!” said Beacham, with surprise. << What could I do?” replied the young man, with a smile, “ but follow your example. You deserted me —that was all natural enough—though I foolishly ecomnuicloooks (SO