The Man in Possession — page 156: what you’re looking at

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

THE MAN IN POSSESSION. 151 trouble from her heart, but one would materially in- crease it.” ‘‘Come—come,” interrupted her father’s voice at last. ‘* Don't stand there looking like a tragedy queen. You're an immensely lucky girl, I think, and . even if Sir Wilfred is a little bit wild or... takes more wine than is good for him, well, that only hastens the chance of your being a rich young widow ; and then—you can please yourself in your next choice, you know.” Kate only stood there still mute—still cold—still scornful. : ‘‘7—I don’t want to worry you any more to-night,” said O’Brien, growing uncomfortable at the prolonged silence. ‘‘ Perhaps when you've slept over it you'll take a more sensible view ofthe matter. In any case, if Sir Wilfred should propose again will you... well, temporise? Hold out a little hope ... not be too decided and that sort of thing. That’s not much to ask—and, after, all, ['m your father, and you do owe me a little duty and obedience.” ‘IT suppose so,” said Kate, with that little cold smile he knew so well and hated so much. ‘“‘ But I think you are taxing both rather severely ” ‘Well, will you think over what I’ve said? I really am in an awful hole. I wouldn't ask this sacrifice of you only that it is the only way out of the scrape for both of us. Some day you'll thank me for it—you really will.” ‘Shall I?” said the girl wearily. ‘‘ It seems hardly probable.” ‘“Well, good-night,” said her father rather shame- COMicloe (Sri C(O)