The Man in Possession — page 291: what you’re looking at

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

286 THE MAN IN POSSESSION. be quite right, or honourable, on your part to pursue the subject. If she chooses to keep her engagement I must say I should not blame her. Mrs. Lafaye thinks differently, and you of course have an interest in her freedom, however it might be procured. But though she has acted foolishly she—at present—has determined on taking the full consequences of that action. Does the affair present itself hopefully to you now?” ‘“‘No. How can it?” said Tom gloomily. ‘‘She is a young lady, as far as I can judge, with a very firm willand very decided opinions. I should think she could get a good deal out of life, if she chose, and no doubt she will choose. Do youknow that if you were my son, I should counsel you to leave her to herself, and go your own way.” ‘(Tf counsel were as easy to accept as it is to give,” said Tom, ‘‘how wisely we would all act. You see, Colonel, this means a great deal to me— more than I can afford to say. It is not only my happiness that she 1s wrecking, butherown. .. . If you saw that little drunken, half imbecile baronet, and then contrasted him with that beautiful, proud, queenly creature, you would know what a terrible sacrifice it was—and what a senseless one.” ‘‘Women,’ said the Colonel sententiously, ‘‘ seem fond of sacrifices.” ‘‘God help the men who try to understand them,” said Tom bitterly. ‘“ Perhaps,” said Colonel Lawrence, ‘‘if you tried to convince yourself that they are not worth under- standing, it might make it easier for you.” COMicloe (Sri C(O)