The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 181: what you’re looking at

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

172 THE FREEMASONS DAUGHTER. ** Another bar,” he added, “to me and mine! No matter—it shall be the last; if it cost me every penny I possess, it shall be the last.” “*What’s the matter, father ?””? demanded Matthew. ** Anything up ?”’ said Mark. “‘ Who's to be the new partner ?”’ inquired John. - Our readers doubtless recollect the scriptural names of Mr. Small’s three sons, who thus, one after the other, addressed their respectable progenitor. “Would you like to be the new partner?” demanded Small. The young men simultaneously opened their eyes, and fixed them on their parent with an expression which seemed to demand if he was drunk or jocose. The first idea was quickly dismissed: they knew his regular pious habits—knew that he never got drunk till after evening prayers. Madness was even less likely to accrue—for Small was never a flighty man. They therefore mentally concluded that he was indulging in the untoward luxury of a joke, and responded to it by a sympathetic grin. “T should like to be a partner,’ said John. ~ Wouldn’t I save money.” ** And wouldn’t I go a-head !” observed Mark. Matthew was silent. ** And what would you like to be a partner for ?” demanded his father. *‘’'To be revenged on Beacham for the kicking he gave me, and on old Grindem for his insolence to you !”’ COniiclooecl SS (SO