Mrs. Bob: A Novel — page 105: what you’re looking at

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

WHAT THE DOCTOR KNEW. 97 CHAPTEHR* XI. WHAT THE DOCTOR KNEW. Bob has entirely lost his air of repose—he is thor- oughly awake and in deep earnest. The matter has gone beyond play, and become business. ‘“That man has a selfish object in this affair, and I must discover what itis. He says he knows certain facts that will induce Gypsy to consent to a speedy matriage—perhaps some clause of the will reads that she loses her share of the estate in case she is not married before reaching a certain age.”’ He ponders over this. ‘Tove! I’d rather believe it to be the other way, and that she sacrifices all if she marries before a cer- tain date. ‘That time is very close, or else old Merle wouldn’t be so anxious. And if this occurs he is sure of a big plum from some person who benefits by the performance.’’ | Thus Bob, by mere luck, has hit a streak of guess- ing that promises rich returns. He keeps an eye on the Frenchman, desirous of learning more about his movements, for it may be even possible to discover the source of secret power, the hidden lever with which he expects to accomplish such wonderful results. Monsieur Merle wanders around for a little while. He appears restless, and yet bubbling over with ex- citement. Now and then, when he thinks no one is. ECOMmIicdbooks (C©)