A Daughter of Delilah — page 195: what you’re looking at

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

186 NO. 33 HAWTHORNE AVENUE, RIDGEWAY, N. J. ““My fear of you has gone, Mr. Alston. I have heard so much of the terrible millionaire that I naturally expected to meet a monster in human shape. And then, millionaires in any form are usually supposed to be awe-inspiring be- ings!”’ She spoke with asimple naivete that was irresistible, and he gallantly kissed her taper fingers, replying:, ‘‘Excuse me, Miss Russell. Some day you may be my daughter !”’ | : He uttered the words, a bitter pang at his heart. ‘‘No,’’ she said, sadly but earnestly; “I can never be that, Mr. Alston. I am sorry for Edgar, but I do not love him. He is altogether too young and irresponsible. His fancy is too fleeting. He professes that his passion for me is consuming him, but I know only too well that it is all on the surface, and the next pretty face will disillusionize him. Until I meet with one whom I can respect as well as love, I will never marry. A woman cannot respect a man years younger than herself. ’’ She cast upon him one of her bewitching glances, and the world was forgotten! “I am a Bohemian,’’ she went on, ‘‘and most of my friends are Bohemians. Society does not regard us kindly but there is a charm in our unconventional lives that the Slaves of society may never enjoy. Itis wrong forme to entertain you, Mr. Alston, but where is the harm?”’’ ‘It is not wrong, Miss Russell,’’ he said, hoarsely; ‘‘it is delightful. ’’ “Tf you think sc, I shallask you to sup with me. My aunt can play propriety !’’ She laughed mockingly, and a minute later was rippling Gomicbooks (E(0)