Octavia's Pride; or, The Missing Witness — page 47: what you’re looking at

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

OCTAVIA’S PRIDE. 37 their imprint in the bloodless lip. ‘‘It shall go on; no ob- stacle shall hinder now.” : “Il wish I knew what danger you have discovered, Felix ?”” . ‘‘ Tt is only a suspicion as yet, and, oddly enough, Octavia Wainwright was the first to suggest it to me. That girl has been to see old Merle. ‘There was never another such a woman as she. Judge of my surprise when she said, gravely, this very evening, in talking over the case with her father—lI took care to be near enough to hear every word— said she, ‘I am not afraid of what the Middletons can do, father. ‘This witness of theirs will ruin their case for them. He tried to cheat me also, but I read plainly he held an- other game in reserve. If they are keen and sagacious they will never bring him to the witness stand.’ This was what she said, in that grave, sedate way of hers.” “‘T do not see yet,” said Mr. Middleton, bewilderedly. “Nor should I, if I had not watched her movements. What a queen she would make, with her brilliant genius, her subtle penetration, and indomitable energy!” he added, in an eager voice. ‘‘ When she has married me, and the two causes are united, like the rival roses, I will defy all the other claims which may arise.” | ‘“Why don’t you marry her, then, as soon as possible?” Mr. Felix bit his lip again. “ Octavia Wainwright 1 is not a common woman, sir. She will not be won in the tame every-day style. 1 make my moves cautiously, and only after due reflection. ‘The next time I lay my suit before her, she will answer less haughtily at least.” “<The next time!” repeated his father. ‘‘So Maurice was right—she has refused you once!” A sullen, angry red swept into the face of Felix. “‘T trust, sir, what I par to you confidentially is not to be repeated to that boy.” 5 comicboo <S co \ e : 7 a \“ y “st ? (] (i ye ’ my | P aah € : LF