Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 400: what you’re looking at

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

MR. DENISON 389 rangements her ladyship proposes to make with regard to the ceremony? ”’ ‘“T have not yet heard. Hy mother is somewhat reserved toward me upon those matters,’ and Juliana experienced a great relief when she thus discovered what the topic was that Mr. Hawkshaw had prefaced with a somewhat alarm- ing degree of mystery. ‘‘ The truth 1s,” she added, in a confidential tone, ‘‘ my mother perhaps feels that she is about to take a step that the world may consider ridiculous or impolitic, marrying a man so much younger than her- self.”’ “Oh, but if people consult their own happiness,” ex- claimed Mr. Hawkshaw, ‘“ they may defy the opinion of the world.” ‘And yet you, my dear George, shrink somewhat from announcing to your acquaintances our engagement? But perhaps,” added Juliana, as if quite in a careless manner, ‘““you have mentioned it to one or two? I dare say, if the truth be known, you told it to Mr. Paton.”’’ “No, on my honour I did not!’’ responded the squire emphatically. “ Did not you yourself the other night counsel me at the ball not to make it the subject of any confidential communication? ”’ “ Yes, I recollect. But wherefore did you ask me just now those questions concerning my mother?” and again did Juliana gaze penetratingly though furtively upon the squire’s countenance. “T was only thinking tuat since I have received your assent to the proposal which I was venturous enough to make you, my dear Juliana, I might next solicit you to fix the day which is to render me so happy — oh, so happy — I cannot find words to express my feelings! But in proffer- ing such a request, it occurred to me that much might depend on Lady Saxondale’s own arrangements. Probably it would be suitable for the two marriages to take place at the same time, unless her ladyship be desirous that her own nuptials should be celebrated first. Tell me, Juliana, am I too bold, am I too presumptuous, in expressing a hope that you will not long delay the period which is to render me so happy?” “ I will speak to my mother to-day,’ answered Juliana, affecting to bend down her eyes in confusion, but at the CONNIE DOOKS (EO)