The Man in Possession — page 173: what you’re looking at

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

168 THE MAN IN POSSESSION. CHAPTER XVIII. A NEW GUEST. Kate was almost the last of the house-party to enter the drawing-room that night, previous to the an- nouncement of dinner. ° There was an unusual stir and excitement in the social atmosphere. She discovered that it emanated from a small, exquisitely-dressed and wonderfully lovely person who was chattering, laughing, and amus- ing everybody in the circle by the wit and originality of her speeches. Kate guessed this must be the American beauty and approached with some curiosity. Lady Jocelyn introduced her, and Mrs. Jackson Lafaye turned her brilliant eyes upon the girl with unconcealed admira- tion. There was no opportunity for more than a brief exchange of greetings, as the dinner bell sounded at that moment, and Sir Wilfred, proud and jubilant, bore down upon his fiancée to conduct her to the dining-room. She was seated opposite to the pretty vivacious American, and found it more entertaining to watch and listen to her than to talk to Sir Wilfred, who seemed heavier and more tiresome than usual. ‘‘Who is Mrs. Jackson Lafaye?” she asked him at last. ‘Of course I know she’s an American, but is COMicloe (Sri C(O)