Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 376: what you’re looking at

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

THE BALL 359 shaw for a few minutes,” said the worthy old gentleman, ‘“‘ while I go in search of Mrs. Denison that she may do the honours of the house toward you.”’ With these words he hurried away, and was traversing the saloon, when he perceived his wife in company with Lady Saxondale and Juliana. He immediately accosted the group, saying to his spouse, “ I was looking for you, my dear, that you may fulfil your intention of introducing Mr. Paton to Miss Farefield.”’ ‘Mr. Paton’s appearance beneath your roof, Mr. Denison,”’ said Lady Saxondale, ‘“‘ seems to have excited quite a sen- sation. I have been asking Mr. Hawkshaw who his young friend is — ”’ ‘And Mr. Hawkshaw has told you, mother,” interrupted Juliana, with a quick deprecating look at her parent, as much as to remind her of the previously expressed desire that she would not meddle in the matter, ‘“‘ Mr. Hawkshaw has told you precisely what Mr. Denison himself had already stated.”’ “To be sure!” ejaculated this gentleman. ‘“ Am I to understand that there is the slightest doubt as to Mr. Paton’s respectability? ”’ “Oh, far from it!” exclaimed Juliana. ‘‘ My mother could not possibly mean such a thing. It is sufficient to - find Mr. Paton within these walls to be assured of his re- spectability.”’ ‘But what is more,” rejoined Mr. Denison, emphatically, “T can answer for it—I will guarantee it. There may perhaps be some little mystery attending him, but which will all be cleared up in good time. Suffice it to say that I know who he is — ”’ ‘““ Indeed!” said Lady Saxondale, fixing her eyes keenly upon the old gentleman, to ascertain, if possible, to what extent his knowledge thus reached. “ Yes, I know that his father is a nobleman of very high rank,” responded Mr. Denison. “Is this youth, then, the Honourable Mr. Paton? ”’ inquired Lady Saxondale, ‘‘ or Lord Paton — or — ”’ “ Unfortunately,’”? answered Mr. Denison, in a subdued voice, “‘ there is a circumstance connected with his birth — But I need say no more. Suffice it to add that I do know who his father is. He is a very old friend of mine, immensely CONnNIEOOOKS (C(O)