Laura Brayton — page 63: what you’re looking at

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

54 LAURA BRAYTON. not quail beneath his frowning look. She evidently had some spirit, and he had aroused it. “Girl!” he said, after looking at her sternly a moment; “Ihave made up my mind to have the care of you off my hands. You are old enough now to require more watching than I have time to be- stow. So you can get ready for marriage. I shall give you one week for preparation, and that is more than enough, for you will not have a fashionable wedding or require an extravagant outfit.” Laura’s dark eyes looked first wonderingly, ne then indignantly, upon his scowling face. “Did you understand what I said?” he asked, ina — sneering tone; “or are you too innocent to compre- hend what matrimony amounts to?” “T know your meaning, sir. But in that which is to shape my future destiny, I certainly am old enough to have a choice.” “A choice? Yes, my choice shall be yours. Yes- terday I introduced you to the man who henceforth will have the control of your mind and person. Jake Bartram is hisname. His origin, habits, pre- | vious life, all will make a fine study for you during the honeymoon. I have sent for him. After I have imparted my wishes, it will be for you to receive him on the footing of an accepted and betrothed lover. Mark me! no disobedience on your part! While you obey, you will be treated well. When you rebel, close confinement and starvation till you submit to my wishes.” “Then, sir, you may as well begin at once. I will not marry that man Bartram or any other whom you chose. He is neitheraman nor a gentleman. He is but a tool to carry out some of your designs. If you will let me go out free into the world you — © comicbooks com