The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 81: what you’re looking at

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

“I ) THE FREEMASONS DAUGHTER. “‘ Perhaps not, sir,” said the officer. “Of course, Mr. Marjoram, I can trust you?” observed Mr. Small, with a scrutinising look. “T should think so,” replied the man; “ I have had more delicate affairs through my hands than half the officers in London. Not that I want to boast of them.” “I have some reason to believe that a clerk belong- ing to our firm—a poor, mad fellow, named Gridley— has intrusted papers or letters, of no value, but still of importance to the house, to the keeping of this man. He denies it; how am [I to ascertain the fact ?”’ “It will be difficult,” replied the visitor, musingly, ‘you can’t accuse him of robbery ?” ** Certainly not.” ‘“No pretence for a search-warrant? Then it will be expensive.” | * How much ?’ ‘Impossible to say—perhaps fifty pounds.” ‘“ Fifty pounds be it. In how many days shall I be assured ?” demanded Small. “In three, sir. The affair, I suppose, is strictly private ?”’ “ Strictly.” ‘From your partner ?”’ | ** Particularly from him: you will call on me here of an evening, and report progress. I will leave orders to receive you at any time. Should we be occupied in family prayers, perhaps you will have the goodness to wait?” ecomnuicloooks (SO mn