Octavia's Pride; or, The Missing Witness — page 206: what you’re looking at

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

196 OCTAVIA’S PRIDE. confronted me. He pretended ignorance. For a little time I fancied in my boy’s disguise I was safe. But when we landed I met a glance from that basilisk eye of his, which assured me that I was known, and watched. ‘The ~ rest you know.” ‘Tt is a strange, astonishing history,” said Maurice, alter a moment's deep reflection. . ‘‘ But there is one missing link I can supply. Mathew Merle himself was drugged, and put on board another ship. Your mysterious letter writer, I think, took care of you both. And yet, what could be the object? It seems likely, indeed, that you have a rightful claim to some fortune, or why should these Merles care for you so long and yet per- secute you so shamefully? I will give the matter close reflection when I have time. ) ‘““Now then for my plan. It will be less likely to dis- please you, after this explanation. We have decided that it would be impossible to smuggle any boy to the London train without the police interfering. But they will not question the right of the departure of Mr. Grey’s guests. You will not be angry if I tell you that you must pass for a little time as my wife. Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Middleton will take a coach boldly to-morrow morning. I gave your friend Jane my address. We shall probably hear from her to-morrow, and as soon as they abandon the search, you may resume, if you choose, your original journey.” ‘<'You are so kind—you are so good,” faltered the girl— ‘how can I ever repay you?” Mr. Maurice Middleton did not speak the chante which came to him, and sent a thrill of pleasure through his heart. «And now,” said he, ‘‘I may tell Mrs. Grey to make ready Mrs. Middleton’s clothing!” She blushed, and smiled, and arched her head a little = _ comicboo <S.cC