Witch Hazel; or, The Secret of the Locket — page 243: what you’re looking at

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

the bill, and thus be saved from any awkwardness that might arise upon being questioned regarding the matter. But, as good fortune would have it, a few steps farther on he saw Hazel herself coming toward him. Immediately after he left her she had gone out to walk a little way with Belle, who was going to spend the night with Marie Earlscourt, between who and herself a strong affection had sprung up, and she was just now returning. “Tam very glad that we have met again, Hazel,” he said, with twinkling eyes, as he stopped before her, ‘for it gives Ine an opportunity to put you on your guard. Mrs. Stewart has just been interview- ing me regarding my Dill, insisting that it belongs to her to pay it. I told her that it was settled, as that she could make it right with you if she chose,” “Oh, Percy! what can I tell her?” Hazel eried, in real distress, while the hot blood again suffused her face and even her neck. “You can name a small sum—whatever you think will be right—and let her give it to you,” he replied, just to see what she would say. “But Leould not do that; it would not be honest, and—and, of course, [ could not tell her——” she stammered, in confusion. ‘How the account was settled.” Perey completed the sentence with an amused laugh. ‘No, indeed. At your peril tell her the price,” he added, in mock displeasure, ‘for you have xiven me what L prize far more than pounds and shillings. But forgive me, dear, for tormenting you. [have fixed it allright, es she asks you for my bill, you can give het <« ~