Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 296: what you’re looking at

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

WILLIAM AND ANGELA 279 ‘ Yes, he himself has told me as much,” replied Deveril. “ But, ah, here he is!’’ he ejaculated, as the sounds of carriage-wheels reached his ears through the open casement. The brother and sister rose from their seats, and hastened to the front door to meet the visitor, who proved to be the individual whom they were expecting. There were kind ereetings and grasping of hands, and in a few moments the nobleman was seated between William and Angela in the elegantly furnished parlour. Now that the light of the lamp shone upon his features, they were both surprised as well as rejoiced to observe that he had an altered look, — but a look that was changed for the better. It was an expression of countenance indicative of heartfelt satisfaction and joy. ‘“ Ah! my dear young friends,’’ he said, smiling upon them both, “‘ you doubtless perceive 80me little alteration in me, and it is so. Thank Heaven, I find myself destined, in my declining years, to experience a happiness which for a long, long time past I had never dared hope to enjoy.”’ ~ “You, Mr. Gunthorpe,” said Angela, her sweet musical voice being tremulous with emotions, ‘“‘ who are always studying to do good to others, richly deserve whatsoever happiness has now become your lot.”’ ‘‘ And believe me, my dear Angela,’’ responded the noble- man, ‘ that in my own felicity I shall not forget the pleasing duty of ensuring the felicity of others. First with regard to yourself, William,”’ he continued, now specially addressing himself to our young hero, ‘‘ I must explain the measures which I have adopted to ensure your welfare. I have this day seen your Florina, and have told her many things with which she was previously unacquainted. Of some of those things her aunt Lady Macdonald was already aware, though she had kept them profoundly secret, but even she knew not all. Now they are both acquainted with everything that concerns me. In a few weeks, William, you shall con- duct Florina to the altar. It is my purpose to settle upon you an income of two thousand a year — ”’ “No, Mr. Gunthorpe, impossible! impossible!’”’ ex- claimed William, well-nigh overwhelmed by this surprising munificence. ‘ I could not thus become dependent on your bounty. Pardon me, my dear sir, for speaking thus frankly; you will not attribute it to ingratitude on my part — ”’ “I attribute it to the proper feeling which inspires you, Gomichdoo cS (C(O)