In Sight of St. Paul's — page 78: what you’re looking at

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

A CRUSHING BLOW. * 73 “Well, until your name was placed on the back.”? ‘‘My name! Nothing of the sort, sir!’’ exclaimed Mr. Chichester, in the greatest excitement. In reply, Gridston coolly turned over the bill and exhibited the back of it for his inspection. ‘“Then how do you account for this?’’ he asked, almost insolently, pointing to the signature. Mr. Chichester gave one glance at the writing, and then he staggered back, his hand pressed to his heart. In an instant, Aileen had flown to his side, while the guests looked on with breathless curiosity, con- scious that something of more than ordinary moment was in question. ‘Why, this is—Great Heaven!’’ exclaimed Mr. Chichester, hoarsely. ‘‘Tell me, some one!’’ with an appealing glance about kim. ‘‘Speak! Explain! Un- less you wish to kill me!”’ ‘‘Tncle, come away!’ besought Aileen, piteously. ‘“No! no!’ retorted the old man, rousing himself. ““T will know the truth! Captain Gridston, do you dare assert that this forgery, for it is one, is my son — Harry’s work ?”’ At these words of his father, Tom Chichester gave one swift look at the unhappy old man, another at Aileen’s white face and trembling lips, and his reso- lution was taken. Gomicbooks.co m