A Final Triumph; or, A Lady Bachelor — page 26: what you’re looking at

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

24 A L£DY BACHELOR. George Edicott rose from his chair and paced the piazza for a moment, and then, returning, reseated himself be- side his friend, and said: ‘* T will tell you the truth.”’ ‘* Yes; that is the best way, and then, if you seek advice - from me, I will have the proper data whereon to base it. ”’ ‘**I met Miss Studevant for the first time about two months ago; 1 met her here. She is beautiful, as you know; her manners are charming, as you can imagine and as you would know had you met her under different cir- cumstances than those that prevailed to-night. I, like yourself, am a face-reader. From the first, I credited her with those qualities which you have enumerated in answer to my question. I was charmed, and paid her a great deal of attention. My infatuation increased, and thoughtlessly, 1 will say, selfishly, 1 continued my attentions; indeed, we spent much time together. I was not as thoughtful as I might have been; I did not calculate possibilities. Sud- denly, however, my eyes were opened. I must draw back; the question is, how can I do it?’’ Laurence listened patiently, but there were marked ex- pressions passing over his face. He followed each word, and with each declaration builded a conclusion, and his conclusion was briefly summed up in the query: ** You mean you have won her love?’’ The face of George Edicott fafled to conceal his intense emotion as he answered: ee teen And in cold tones his friend said interrogatively: ** Well??? Gomilebooks (ECO)