The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 167: what you’re looking at

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

158 THE FREEMASON’S DAUGHTER. shorter than J anticipate: and my uncle has promised to make me a partner in the firm before I leave.”’ “A partner!” repeated Amy, who, in her ignorance of the world, little imagined that. a man might be a partner in a wealthy firm and yet as dependent upon its head as the merest drudge employed in it. “A partner, Amy. Do youknow what that promise implies? Wealth—the means of happiness — the power to rescue you from toil and want—to shield you, like a fragrant flower, from the rude storms of life, and gild its path with sunshine—to realise love’s holiest dream, the heart’s fond wishes—to make you my wife, Amy—the companion of my days, the partner of my name—as love has already made you the partner of my soul ! ”’ Although there was nothing to alarm the sensitive delicacy of innocence in the words of the speaker, the ardour of his manner, and the flashing expression of his eye, caused the fair girl to tremble with emotion. The idea of becoming Henry Beacham’s wife was a thought of happiness too intense, she feared, ever to be realised ; gently disengaging herself from his embrace, she tried to smile ; but the effort was too much for her, and tears involuntary started to her eyes. ‘“¢ Perhaps,” she murmured. *‘ Perhaps!’ repeated her lover. ‘“ Amy, do you doubt me? ”’ *“No; for to doubt were to destroy my love; and that, Henry, is so twined around my heart—so com- COniiclooecl SS (SO