Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 360: what you’re looking at

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

THE BALL 343 mony of morning calls is irksome and uninviting enough. Besides, you will see all the élite of the county at the Deni- sons’ in the evening, and then you can take your choice in respect to those whose acquaintance you may choose to form. I myself usually make one call every day,” he added, ‘with a smile, ‘‘ and you can guess upon whom, — the lady who is to be Mrs. Hawkshaw, but I will send a note presently to excuse myself for this one occasion — ”’ “I beg and beseech that you will do nothing of the sort,”’ interrupted Frank. ‘I should be truly sorry to deprive you of the pleasure of paying your accustomed visit. I myself shall be well pleased to ramble through your beauti- ful grounds — ”’ ‘No, my dear Mr. Paton,” said the squire, “‘ I am not going to leave you to your own resources. So not another word upon that subject. But, by the bye, did you go and have a look at Saxondale Castle yesterday? Ah! I dare say you were in no humour for anything of the kind — ”’ “ Nevertheless,’ responded Frank, successfully concealing the agitation which this allusion to Juliana’s home conjured up, “I did approach near enough to that fine old edifice to see as much as I cared for. But I have no great taste that way; I feel no particular interest in seeing antique buildings. I would much rather go and take a long ride or walk through the midst of the charming scenery which I behold from this window.”’ ‘ As for walking, my dear Mr. Paton,” replied Hawkshaw, with a smile, “ you must have had enough of it yesterday, so u you please, we will take a good ride together. Accord- ing to your proficiency in horsemanship can I accommodate you. Ii you like a somewhat spirited steed, be it so, but if you prefer a quiet, gentle animal, but a fast trotter withal, such a one shall be at your service.”’ “1 must confess,” said Frank, ‘ that I should prefer the latter, for I cannot pretend to have any equestrian skill at all.’’ The squire and his guest now rose from the breakfast- table, and proceeded to the stables. Mr. Hawkshaw: pos- sessed a large stud, comprising some of the finest horses in the county. He had a pack of hounds and harriers, and an hour was spent in the inspection of the equine and canine departments of his spacious establishment, All the while ) Gomichoo Ss (EO)