I Forbid the Banns! — page 213: what you’re looking at

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

ON WHITE VELVET. 203 deal higher than Julian did. ‘‘Indeed it was very good of you.”’ That goes for nothing nowadays, it appears, in yas SO- callea British Islands,’’ sneered Eric. ‘So-called fiddlesticks!’’ said Bertha. ‘‘Sit down and behave properly, you foolish fellow!’’ ‘‘No,’’ cried Eric indignantly. ‘‘I see that you are changed from what you used to be. I’m not welcome to Bertha the fine lady, as lused to be to Bertha the squatter’s lass. I may be over-touchy in such matters—I can’t help it—it’s my nature—I’m not one of your fine artificial gentle- men that hide their feelings—I say what.I mean, and what I say comes from my heart—there’s no mistake about my heart. Good-by, Bertha; it goes to my heart to say the words—but they must be said. I'll never darken your door again.’’ He drew his sleeve across his eyes—it is a way these fine, warm-hearted, over-sensitive fellows have. Their eyes are their weak point. ‘“There isatrainin an hour and a half,’’ remarked Julian in the coolest way possible. ‘‘The dogcart will be at the doorimmediately. I suppose you havea good deal of busi- ness to get through in the city. Most colonial merchants find their time fully occupied.’’ ‘I don’t want any dogcart,’’ cried Eric. ‘“‘Keep your dog-cart for—for—puppies.’’ He roared with laughter. He had clearly scored a point by his readiness in retort. “After all, I dare say you are Soh to walk,’’ said Charl- ton quietly. ‘‘Afew miles on a fair road cannot be thought anything by a—a—colonial—gentleman who does not suffer from any cardiac complaint.’’ ‘“*Good-by,’’ said Bertha. ‘‘Poor old Eric! It was so good of you to bring me my trunks,”’ ‘“‘T saw the day—but never mind,’’ said Eric. ‘‘Good- Gomichbookssco