I Forbid the Banns! — page 311: what you’re looking at

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

ON BEING A PERSONAGE. 301 approach,” said Bertha. ‘‘ Never mind,’ she added ; “ we are right—so much is certain,”’ There was a considerable pause before he said : ‘““Yes, I suppose there can be no doubt about that.” She turned to him quickly. “There is something in your voice that suggests doubt,” said she. ‘I have felt now and again—I don’t know why —-that our thoughts do not flow together as they used to do. Can it be possible that there is in your heart a meas- ure of doubt as to the truth of the principles which we made the rule of our life together ?”’ “ Why do you ask/me that?” said he. ‘‘ Have you had any reason, since we came together, to reproach me with having failed to stand by your principles? When Lady Rushton turned upon you, did I not turn her out of my house? Where have I failed in my duty to you?” “Why, you talk as if the principles upon which we live were mine alone, Julian,’’ she cried. ‘“ What does your reference to standing by me mean,if not that? What merit is there to be claimed for your standing by the principles which you yourself have accepted, and in which you assured me you believed with all your heart ?” “None whatever,” he answered. “I do not claim any merit for anything I have done. I only claim to be exempted from any reproach.”’ ‘“ Forgive me if you think I have spoken too strongly to you, my dearest,”’ said she. ‘‘ But you know what reason I have to feel strongly onthis matter. If I thought that you had any misgiving as to the truth and the value of the principles which have guided me—us—both you and me— in joining our lives together, I would consider that my life was wrecked.’ ‘ You have no reason to doubt me,” said he. ‘“ And Iam sure that I never shall,’ she cried quickly. “T feel that what Sir Ecroyd said on this matter is quite true.” CONNIELOOKS (¢(@)