Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 372: what you’re looking at

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

THE BALL JOO and in its coolness was most refreshing after the heated atmosphere of the other rooms. “My dear young friend, for so you must permit me to call you,” said Mr. Denison, “ I wish to know whether there be any way in which IJ can serve you? Whether you need the counsel or succour of one who feels a deep interest in you? But stay,” he exclaimed, perceiving that the youth gazed upon him in surprise, “ read this, and then you will under- stand wherefore I am thus familiarly addressing you.’’ Frank took the letter which Mr. Denison handed him, and having perused it, he remained lost in thought for upwards of a minute, while a profound sadness settled upon his countenance. “Mr. Denison,’ at length he said, “I return you my sincerest thanks for the kind feeling you have demonstrated toward me. Before I left London, my father mentioned that he had an old friend residing in this county, to whom he offered to give me a letter of introduction, but I thought not that my stay would be prolonged, indeed, it was by mere accident that I became Mr. Hawkshaw’s guest.” “Then Mr. Hawkshaw is acquainted with all to which this letter alludes? ’’ said Mr. Denison, inquiringly. “No,” responded Frank, “ he knows nothing beyond the mere fact that my parents are rich and noble, and that I myself, alas! am the offspring of a love which, at the time of my birth, bore not the sanction of marriage.” ‘But the purpose for which you are come into Lincoln- shire? ”’ said Mr. Denison. “Yes, Mr. Hawkshaw is to a certain extent acquainted with that,’ rejoined Frank. “ It is somewhat a long tale to tell — ”’ “And evidently not a pleasant one,’”’ interrupted the worthy old gentleman, grasping the youth’s hand and press- ing it kindly. ‘ We will not converse any more upon the subject now. ‘To-morrow you and the squire must come across and dine with us. For the present, endeavour, my dear young friend, to enjoy yourself and enter into the gaieties of the evening. And now let us return to the saloon, where Mrs. Denison will be proud to find you a suitable partner.”’ Again taking the youth’s arm, Mr. Denison conducted him Gomicdoo cS (C(O)