The Man in Possession — page 111: what you’re looking at

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

106 THE MAN IN POSSESSION. the whole thing. It’s Sir Wilfred’s part that’s puz- zling them. He wants to act with Miss O'Brien, but Lady Jocelyn thinks of having a little two-character piece for her. Mr. O’Brien says she’s done it be- fore.” ‘‘*His Friend and Hers,’” said Kate, quietly, ‘‘T suppose they mean that. Do you know it, Mr. Rivers?” ‘* I’ve seen it,” he said, laconically. He was think- ing in his own mind how he would like to act it with her, and wondering whether the egotism and con- ceit of Sir Wilfred would rise to the occasion. He did not consider him capable of learning apart. But of course if he chose to do so, nothing remained to be said. ‘‘Perhaps I had better go and see what they want,” he said at last, with a reluctant glance at the cosy retreat and its graceful occupant. ‘‘ Are you going to be a fixture here all the evening, Miss O’Brien, or will you join that lively group around the banjo?” ‘‘I—TI fancy there is no room for me there,” said Kate, glancing at the fluttering skirts and waving fans. " ‘‘Did they give you that hint?” said the young man, frowning slightly. ‘‘Never mind, Aunt Judy will force the barricade ; you're quite lost here.” He did not say how well content he had been to find herin that forlorn condition, or that his natural unselfishness alone prompted him to draw her within speaking or ‘‘ looking” distance of himself, since he must once more resume active service. COMicloe (Sri C(O)