His Other Wife: A Novel — page 146: what you’re looking at

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

138: : THE PLOTTERS. ‘‘T don’t blame you for doubting it; but strange as.the truth is, I swear to you that I was never so painfully in earnest in my life.” . . ‘‘Then I’m sorry for you. I brought you- here to take the little simpleton out of my way, and not to entangle. your affections with her, 1 can hardly credit my own senses when they assure me that you, Julian Vernois, are mad after a bit of pink and white womankind like Faith,” . ‘‘It is precisely such a creature, nymph-like and pure, that can turn the brain of a world-worn wvant like your humble servant. Now you, ma delle Leda, could not stir a fiber of me, charm you never so wisely. I’ve had a. surfeit of the Cleopatra type.” ‘‘Thank you for the delicate compliment. You have a novel mode of ingratiating yourself into favor; when you want my help to accomplish an almost impossible thing.” ‘‘Oh, the day is past when you and I need exchange flattering speeches, beautiful coz. Besides, the service will be mutual, after all. The little girl will remain a thorn in your side, if I take her not away. She’s just the creature to fall desperately in love with your hero, Warren. As soon as he is on his legs again—which won’t be long—he will resume his place here, and little Faith’s. eyes, filled with compassionate sympathy for the pale invalid, will play havoc with the heart you wish to hold in your toils.” - ‘‘Granting the truth of all you say, Julian, what is to be done? Mr. Croft will never consent to your having-his GComichbooks7co 3