The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 22: what you’re looking at

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

THE FREEMASON’S DAUGHTER. 13 friend’s hand ; “ send for advice. I willsee you as soon as my uncle leaves the office. Remember me,” he added, ‘‘to your sister Amy, and your kind mother.” Despite the presence of Mr. Small, Richard Law- rence went and shook hands with old Gridley, thanking him warmly for the interest he had taken in his welfare. | ‘ T have now,” he said, “thanks to the kindness of Mr. Grindem, a month’s rest before me—it was all I required. Ishall return to my desk strong and healthy —oh, so strong!” The hollow cough which interrupted the speaker seemed to give the lie to his hopes. ‘‘ But you will come and see me?” he added. “ Willingly,” said the old man; “that’s if”—he hesitated. “Tf what?” “ ‘You know my habits; they have been my ruin !— no matter for that—perhaps your mother and sister might not excuse my manners and appearance, although you are kind enough’ — ‘No fear of that,” said Richard, shaking him by the hand ; ‘‘my mother often inquires after you; she will be rejoiced to see you, for you were my poor father’s friend.” : “< Yes, yes,” murmured the old man, hastily, “ I was his friend,” ‘He entrusted you with everything ?”’ “ Everything! He had not a secret concealed from me,”’ COniiclooecl SS (SO