The Man in Possession — page 32: what you’re looking at

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

THE MAN IN POSSESSION, — 27 appearance betokened a somewhat higher grade of life than that occupied by Fletcher. ‘‘T suppose all bailiffs are not old,” she thought, as she abruptly turned away and bent over the sauce- pan to examine its contents. A soup-cup stood on the table, beside it a small tray covered with a white napkin. The girl lifted the saucepan, and was about to pour its contents into the cup. | The new bailiff, actuated by motives of chivalry, advanced eagerly. ‘‘Pray let me do that,” he said, taking the sauce- pan from her hands. She smiled a little. ‘‘Thank you,” she said, ‘‘it is rather hot. My servant has gone out marketing. I expect her back directly. Is there—will you—I mean if there is any- thing you require will you just ask her for it? She has got quite used to having Fletcher here.” ‘‘And I can promise to give no more trouble than Fletcher,” said the new bailiff, while the colour rose warmly and suddenly to his face. He was thinking in his heart, ‘‘She does not re- member. I’m glad of that. By Jove! whatan odd thing thaf it should have been to her house I came. Her house! Poor girl, how worn and weary she looks, and what a Christmas prospect. A sick father —a load of debt—a man in possession.” | COMicloe (Sri C(O)