Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 391: what you’re looking at

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

CHAPTER XXXII MR. DENISON FRANK slept till a very late hour; for he was much wearied with the excitement of feeling as well as with the festivities through which he had passed. Indeed, it was close upon eleven o’clock when he descended to the breakfast-parlour. Mr. Hawkshaw had been for a long ride, and had eaten his first breakfast on his return home. He however sat down to table to commence a second one when Frank made his appearance. ‘“We are to dine with the Denisons this evening,” said the squire. . ‘ Perhaps you would do well to write a letter to your father, and inform him that you will not be home for a day or two? ”’ | “T could have wished to return to London to-day,” replied Frank, “ only that it would be most ungracious not to accept Mr. Denison’s very kind invitation.”’ “Ah! you would like to quit Lincolnshire to-day? ”’ said the squire; then, with a laugh, he added, “‘ And have you really no inclination to visit Gainsborough and see that lady of whom you spoke to me? ”’ Frank felt that he was blushing, and scarcely knew what reply to give, but Mr. Hawkshaw seemed so busy with the viands as not to notice his young guest’s confusion. “ Why should you think,” asked Frank, after a pause, and endeavouring to laugh also, “‘ that I am desirous to see that lady again? ”’ “Because, my dear Paton,’ responded the squire, “‘ it would only be consistent with the weakness of human nature if you did entertain such a desire. Besides, you are so young, so inexperienced — ”’ ‘““ However,” interrupted Frank, speaking with the firm- 874 ol Gomichbooks (E(0)