Mrs. Bob: A Novel — page 100: what you’re looking at

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

92 MUNSIEUR MERLE, THE WIZARD. shows itself upon the face of the French lawyer, arouses Bob’s suspicion instantly. He knows, full well, that men of Monsieur Merle’s calibre do not go around seeking to do good, without a deep purpose underlying it. Hence, while placed upon his guard, he does not betray his thoughts, though keeping his eyes open to the facts. “Oh! he says, with a light laugh, offering the lawyer a cigar, ‘‘she would not have me—she does not know me well enough.”’ ‘“Try and see. Zere are some points in connection wiz zis matter of which I know better zan any one else. Try and see, Mr. Pemberton, I give you my solemn word, I have reason to believe she will marry you by to-morrow night.’’ Bob, in the act of striking a match, turns his head and looks at the other. He is startled by the words, pleased in one sense, and yet deeply mystified. ‘“That would be the acme of happiness, but I am afraid you are over sanguine. Be my wife by to- morrow night. Great guns! you take my breath away, man.”’ Then Bob proceeds to rasp the match over the sole of his shoe, and apply the flame to his weed. He does not appear to be greatly disturbed over the prospect of so soon being a Benedict—perhaps this is, in part, caused by the fact that he suspects the other of a deep motive, and has applied himself to. learning what it is. | ‘It would suit you, sar?’ GEomichbooksseo ALL a 3)