Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 362: what you’re looking at

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

THE BALL : 045 It was with a beating heart that Frank performed this toilet; and now he did suffer his page Edward to assist him, for he was resolved to lose none of the advantages that dress might bestow. Not that he entertained the slightest idea of endeavouring to assert so complete an empire over the heart.of Juliana as to pave the way for a reconciliation, to be crowned by marriage. No, he vowed within himself that everything should indeed be at an end between herself and him. But if the plain truth must be spoken, it was with a feeling of boyish vanity, natural and intelligible enough, that Frank on the present occasion made the best of all the resources and advantages of the toilet which were at his disposal. When it was achieved, he could not be otherwise than well satisfied with his own appearance, for he looked eminently handsome. ‘The well-cut garments set-off his slender and symmetrical figure to the fullest advantage; the evening costume became his somewhat feminine style of beauty most admirably. The flutter of his heart’s feelings sent up the colour to his cheeks, which were usually of a classic paleness; and when he descended to the room where Mr. Hawkshaw was waiting for him, the worthy squire felt quite proud of the interesting youth whom he was about to introduce to the circle of his acquaintances, for he foresaw that Frank’s presence there would cause a complete sensation. The old-fashioned chariot — which had belonged to the squire’s grandfather, and which the squire himself so very seldom used, save and except when going to evening parties — was in readiness soon after eight o’clock. The place of destination was about seven miles distant, and it was reached at nine, for in the country such entertainments as these commence at an earlier hour than in London. Mr. Denison’s mansion was of an immense size, and contained suites of apartments spacious and lofty enough to remind one of the baronial halls of former times. The family itself has already been spoken of as one of the oldest and richest in all Lincolnshire. The father and mother were kind-hearted, hospitable persons; the old gentleman was sure to form a friendship for any one who would praise his wines, — the lady was as certain to take a liking to any one who appeared to relish the substantial fare served up at her board. They had several sons and daughters, most of them married and Gomicdoo <S (FO)