José — page 145: what you’re looking at

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

138 JOSE. “May I thank you for the pleasant manner in which you granted my request and for the conduct you observed toward these two old people?” Mc:- Gregor asked, after a short pause, crumbling a piece of bread between his fingers. “Thank me, sir?” she replied, raising her head with a look of surprise. “lam only playing a part, sir, because, as you perhaps correctly observed, it is necessary to sustain my position in your house. Nor shall I, while I remain here, ever forget it. Why should you thank me? I trust to your word and honor that in your role you will not go beyond proper bounds, and as even my father seems to have added to the effect of the drama we are enact- ing, why should I hesitate in playing my part of it.” “You will not even allow me to thank you,” the young man:said, looking down at the bread crumbs. “How long are you going to continue this farce, Mary, without bringing it to a fit termination?” “Doubtless Mr. Brown is best able to answer that _ question,” she responded, quietly. “What is your opinion, father; how soon can I possibly contrive to reach the States since there is nothing that I can do for you here? I am always sure of a position as teacher, and thus I would at once cease to bea burden to you.” McGregor turned pale, and lowered his head. Brown, on the other hand, quietly shook his head while he cut the last remnant of his meat. “Banish such whims, child,” said he. “One does not undertake a journey of twelve hundred miles across the plains to return the next day. Learn to accustom yourself to the house and the people, and let events take their course. I am sure these would have developed themselves to your own satisfaction Eomichookssco m