His Other Wife: A Novel — page 211: what you’re looking at

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

THE MADCAP. TAKES A PRIZE, 203 not much damaged, over this gaudy petticoat, and twisting the shaw! gracefully about her shoulders, she managed to effect a toilet at once unique and captivating. The _ dread of her strange position was beginning to wear off under the reverential kindness of Vernois, and the respect- ful deference of the two seamen. ‘*It is a night of tropical splendor!” said Vernois, who leaned with Faith upon the deck-rail in the bow of the boat. ‘‘We are mighty close to the tropics, sir,” said the mate, who was passing. ‘« What is this latitude?” asked Faith, with anxiety. , ‘Couldn't exacily say, madam ;” and the man disap- peared aft. “*Why does he call me ‘madam ’?” asked Faith, 3? ‘« He thinks—he thinks you are my wife COP OuUr wae less The words came with a gasp—she was deadly pale. ‘‘Yes; you must not be angry—it was the only way to make your position appear safe. I thought of telling them you were my sister, but when I saw the young cap- tain I feared he might become gallant, if we had to re- main any length of time on his ship, and so I took the course I deemed wisest to protect you from all unpleas- — antness. ‘*Oh, Mr. Vernois!” It was like the sick cry of a wounded child; and, as she uttered it, she let her pale face fall upon her arm that ‘rested on the railing, =| Eomicbooks.¢o