The Man in Possession — page 187: what you’re looking at

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

- MDesee * =? oredr 182 THE MAN IN POSSESSION. She commenced by ticking off the various charac- teristics and foibles of the guests with an amount of satirical humour that amused Kate beyond measure. She broke off at last withan apology. ‘‘ You must have agreat deal to think of?” shesaid. ‘‘AndI sur- mise your world is considerably narrowed since your engagement. It seems to have made a sensation here. They were all full of it. How do you like the experience? Is it novel?” | ‘‘Ves,” said Kate. ‘‘It can boast of that advan- tage. But it’s rather soon to talk of it as an ‘ experi- ence.’ It is only a day old.” Mrs. Lafaye regarded her thoughtfully and with something almost compassionate in her brilliant eyes. ‘“‘A day. Well, it’snot so bad as being married— not so bad as waking after a dream to find all your life changed for you.” ‘‘“That,” said Kate, ‘‘must be even a sadder experience. ” ‘‘Itis,” said Mrs. Lafaye. ‘‘ Yet I wasn’t asold as you when I knew it as mine. J—I sometimes think I've never been a girl at all. That's why I like to study them, and talk to them, and hear their views on things and—people.” ‘*People meaning—as a rule—men,” said Kate. ‘‘Exactly. It’s curious how their eyes seldom wander beyond thathorizon. And, after all, it’s not a great ora wide one. Asa rule, men are very dis- appointing.” ‘‘T am sure of that,” said Kate. ‘‘ Do not fancy my present position holds any illusion.” ‘‘ Perhaps,” said Mrs. Lafaye. ‘‘ That's something COMicloe (Sri C(O)