Mrs. Bob: A Novel — page 241: what you’re looking at

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

LOOKING BACKWARD. 233 at once to where his wife may be seen. He finds his friend just making his adieu, and has a chance to say good-night. Joe accompanies the gentlemen down stairs. Perhaps his intuitive faculties tell him that Bob and his wife may have something to talk over together. Joe has had some acquaintance among mar- tied folks, and knows considerable about their ways. At any rate, 1t suits Bob exactly. He has upon his mind the matter which constituted the burden of his recent conversation with John Archer, and recognizes in this a Heaven-sent opportunity to. bring matters to a focus. | So he gently seats his wife in a chair, somewhat to her surprise, and faces her. ‘‘T want to speak on a serious matter, my dear, but don’t get alarmed. I trust it is something that will bring you great happiness. ’”’ ‘“Bob—is it about.her?’’ she says, in a low voice, as if actually frightened. “Indirectly—yes. You have been keeping some- thing from me, my dear.”’ | ‘Ves, yes, but I meant——’ “T know you did, and I made up my mind to await your own good time, but certain circumstances have arisen which make it necessary that I should speak now. ‘hat secret concerns your parentage. ”’ ‘Ves,’ faintly. ‘Vou have for some time believed yourself to be the daughter of one whose maiden name was Armitage, and who married a son of Rudolph Gordon, long since dead.’’ “Such was my firm belief, until recently.” ) Eom O)) IOOKSHAGCO in =)