The Man in Possession — page 134: what you’re looking at

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

THE MAN IN POSSESSION. 129 less nights. But they will pass. ... Be patient. A cross rests on the heart line. You will love, maiden, but pride will step between youand your lover. You think him beneath you in station, but love cares not for rank or gold, or anything in life save just its own mysterious fate. Would you gain rank and riches? They are at your feet. Yet beware, for your heart still speaks, though you would fain be deaf to its pleading. He whom you despise is more worthy than he who awaits your choice. Be true to your- self if you desire happiness. Fate will not always be unkind. You have courage, and you shall have fortune and happiness, but only if you are true to yourself.” Kate had listened in silence too astonished for words. How could this man know of that strange little episode in her life... of that half-wondering half-tender and wholly humiliating interest—nothing more than interest—which she had fel* for the youth who had called himself Tom Smith. She blushed scarlet as she thought of it, and snatched away her hand somewhat indignantly. ‘* Be not offended, maiden,” said the wizard, gently and rebukingly. ‘‘Surely you know that the Fate that rules all lives works by strange means, and oft- times through strangechannels. Aye, strange as that which has made one Christmas-Eve in your life a memory you may blame, but which you cannot for- get. Say, is it not so?” Again the hot bloodrushed to the girl’s face. ‘“Why ask me, seeing that you can read so much for yourself?” she said faintly ; ‘‘ yet I would like 9 COMicloe (Sri C(O)