The Craze of Christina — page 99: what you’re looking at

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

The Craze of Christina. 95 was on the spot, and that he need no longer be anxious as to the success of his party. When the guests began to arrive, Mr. and Mrs. Bruhen stood at his right hand and helped him to receive them. He was enlightened in judicious whispers as to who was who, and in- structed by a mere look or nod as to the rank and precedence of every new arrival. They were not all ladies, of course—for here and there amongst the gayly attired crowd could be seen the more sombre garb and broader forms of husbands or fathers who had duly ac- companied their respective womankind; but it may be safely affirmed that Mark Clifford was the only unmarried and youthful man present, so that it is needless to add that he was the cynosure of all the eyes, bright and sparkling or otherwise, that filled his house that after- noon. | ‘‘So interesting, dear fellow !’’ Mrs. Ommaney observed, as she gazed aiter him almost with maternal affection, through her gold-rimmed pince-nez. ‘‘Qne wonders who will be the for- tunate girl of his choice!’’ ‘“*He can’t marry at all for three years,’’ re- marked Mrs. Bruhen, dryly; “‘that’s one com- fort for him, poor man!’’ “Very true, my, dear,’’ retorted Mrs. Om- Gomichooksnco