His Other Wife: A Novel — page 36: what you’re looking at

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

28 THE WIDOW’S CONFESSION. ‘‘Do you know, sir, that I have never before had a gentleman speak so to me?” | “‘T conclude, then, that I am the first on whom you have urged a request so impossible for any gentleman to comply with.” : His cool, incisive accents seemed intolerable to the young lady, who flushed hotly and asked, angrily: ‘‘Do you mean to reprove me?” | ‘«Certainly not—only to justify myself.” She looked keenly into his calm eyes, as if seeking to find the most vulnerable spot in his soul. There was inexpressible dignity and manliness in his whole bearing as he stood fronting her, with his proud crest slightly raised, and his glance meeting hers, steadfast and patient. Quick as thought all her aspect changed ; the imperious challenge in her look gave place to that ineffable supplica- tion that is a woman's most invincible argument when she appeals to the strength of true manhood. Her tones grew tenderly tremulous as she said : ‘‘Forgive me; I was hasty. I do not demand, but I entreat you to tell me what my mother said to you. I must know, Mr. Warren.” - } A moment of delirium like drunkenness made: his brain swim, as the ravishment of her beauty and the piteousness of her prayer besieged his soul and senses. He could only say, briefly ; , ‘“T cannot, © EComicbooks.co =|