The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 287: what you’re looking at

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

280 THE FREEMASONS DAUGHTER. “Tf I were not afraid of disturbing your father, William,” said the blushing girl, “I’d quarrel with you for this, seriously. Of course, I was only in jest when I alluded to such a thing, and you to take me at my word !” William mentally thought that he would have been a great fool if he had not, and perhaps the pretty Mary thought so, too; but they both kept their opinions to themselves; and, as the culprit looked properly penitent on the occasion, the offence was passed over. “Amy,” said the old gentlemen, laymg down the paper at last—he had waded through corn-law debates, markets, all the foreign news, and a most metaphysical leader—‘‘ do sing me a song? Not a very gay one,” he added, remembering her late loss; ‘‘ but one of those pretty little romances which I have heard William rave so much about.” ‘‘Something about love?” whispered the young man. Mary was silent; but she looked as if she wished the same. Poor Amy was not much inclined for music, but she loved those who had made the request too well not to comply with it. ‘‘ Here is a romance,” she said, “ which was Mr. Beacham’s last gift. I have already tried it over once or twice; as the words are rather pretty, and it is quite new, I'll sing you that.” COniiclooecl SS (SO