The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 171: what you’re looking at

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

162 THE FREEMASONS DAUGHTER. With all his vanity, the junior partner was not with- out tact ; he saw that the man’s business with Grindem must be of a very peculiar nature, or he would never have ventured on being so insolent. The implied threat partially enlightened him as to its real character. Mar- joram had also informed him of the loss of the papers. “Stay, Matthew—-stay !”’ he cried, as his son’s hand was stretched out to pull the bell; “perhaps, after all, the poor man may be here on business.” “I told you I was.” “So you did. Iwas a little hasty—business—so much to think of: but surely, my good fellow, you might have had a litle more discernment. No matter, let it pass. Does Mr. Grindem expect you?” he added, in a bland tone. *“ No.” “I thought not!” muttered Small, to himself. * Doubtless,” he added, aloud, “ the affair is serious ? ”’ ** I should rather think it -was.” “< Private ? ”’ «As your charities. No one will believe in either till they are found out! ”’ ‘It is uncertain,” observed Small, carelessly, “ what time Mr. Grindem will be here; although nominally at the head of the firm, he leaves all business transactions to me.” “© He won t leave this one!” replied the ruffian, with a grin. ** You think not?” ecomnuicloooks (SO