Mrs. Bob: A Novel — page 118: what you’re looking at

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

110 NOW 17 IS BOB, THE MAGICIAN. wrong, send me about my business, but at any rate relieve mv anxiety at once.’’ He goes right to the point like the brave man that he is. Although the temperature of the room is cool and pleasant, Bob is in a feverish state, and, taking out a handkerchief, wipes his forehead. The girl looks at him rather roguishly. ‘(Are you sure you are free, Mr. Pemberton ?”’ ‘*Positive.”’ ‘To how many other girls have you said the same thing ?”? He ponders. ‘Not more than seven, I am dead certain’’—then, as she throws up her hands in horror he adds, with a quizzical smile—‘‘and they were in my younger days, when I was about half way between boy and man. Seriously, Gypsy, I have, since reaching man’s: estate, never breathed a single word of love in the- ears of a maiden—I have been wrapped up in my- business. It is a serious affair—lI feel that the point: in my life has come when I must choose for weal or: woe. I have selected—it is for you to determine my: fate. Will you be my wife, Gypsy ?”’ Since she expects it, he drops on one knee beside’ her—she does not turn her face toward him for fear lest he should see how pleased she looks and it might make him conceited, but her little hand creeps out, and he seizes upon it, “Do you wish it very much, Bob?”? ‘‘With all my heart and soul, dear girl.” ‘’Then—I refuse your ofier!”’ ‘What?’ gasps Bob. <i so coniclooolks.conn