Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
"Its Precepts Are Eternal;" Or , The Practice Of A Freemason's Daughter.
The banker was visibly disturbed . Whatever tvas the nature of his monetary relations with his sovereign , the idea of an appeal to that high personage was evidently distasteful . The German paused for some moments evidently annoyed . At length , in his blandest tones , he resumed" These transactions are of a magnitude that cannot be
lightly discussed , ancl names have been introduced that should not be idly mentioned ; I wish for time to deliberate . The correspondence you refer to is , I presume , in your possession ?" "All of it . "
" And is now in Vienna 1 " Maurice assented . " I infer , moreover , that you have regarded your mission as of a strictly private character ?" Maurice bowed .
"And that no one is privy to it , — not even your own ambassador ?" "Your conclusion is correct , " returned the Englishman firmly . " I have letters of introduction to his lordship , but have not delivered them . " A look of peculiar satisfaction , a gleam of innate cunning lihted
g up the withered , time-worn features of the scheming foreigner . In after-days Maurice often recalled this expression , and could accurately explain it . " Give me , " cried Herr Griit , in his most deferential tones —" give me—no unusual request—eight and forty hours for consideration : I ask no more . Those expired , you shall have my decision ; the interval may possibly suggest terms of accommodation . "
Maurice sincerely hoped so , and withdrew . On retpning to his temporary home , Frau Pfeffer presented herself with a letter , which her inmate well recollected having carefully closed , and secured ivith a seal bearing a Masonic emblem . The letter was not opened . That extremity appeared to havebeen avoided . But nearly every particle of wax had
_ by cautious fingers been picked off . Maurice eyed the letter in silence . He was somewhat astonished , and " very considerably ryled . " The lady commenced , every feature the while perfectly
impassive" It is usual for parties to seal a letter . " " / have sealed it . I did so this morning , with one of three seals which I use at random ; who has " tampered with the impression ? "
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
"Its Precepts Are Eternal;" Or , The Practice Of A Freemason's Daughter.
The banker was visibly disturbed . Whatever tvas the nature of his monetary relations with his sovereign , the idea of an appeal to that high personage was evidently distasteful . The German paused for some moments evidently annoyed . At length , in his blandest tones , he resumed" These transactions are of a magnitude that cannot be
lightly discussed , ancl names have been introduced that should not be idly mentioned ; I wish for time to deliberate . The correspondence you refer to is , I presume , in your possession ?" "All of it . "
" And is now in Vienna 1 " Maurice assented . " I infer , moreover , that you have regarded your mission as of a strictly private character ?" Maurice bowed .
"And that no one is privy to it , — not even your own ambassador ?" "Your conclusion is correct , " returned the Englishman firmly . " I have letters of introduction to his lordship , but have not delivered them . " A look of peculiar satisfaction , a gleam of innate cunning lihted
g up the withered , time-worn features of the scheming foreigner . In after-days Maurice often recalled this expression , and could accurately explain it . " Give me , " cried Herr Griit , in his most deferential tones —" give me—no unusual request—eight and forty hours for consideration : I ask no more . Those expired , you shall have my decision ; the interval may possibly suggest terms of accommodation . "
Maurice sincerely hoped so , and withdrew . On retpning to his temporary home , Frau Pfeffer presented herself with a letter , which her inmate well recollected having carefully closed , and secured ivith a seal bearing a Masonic emblem . The letter was not opened . That extremity appeared to havebeen avoided . But nearly every particle of wax had
_ by cautious fingers been picked off . Maurice eyed the letter in silence . He was somewhat astonished , and " very considerably ryled . " The lady commenced , every feature the while perfectly
impassive" It is usual for parties to seal a letter . " " / have sealed it . I did so this morning , with one of three seals which I use at random ; who has " tampered with the impression ? "