A Final Triumph; or, A Lady Bachelor — page 28: what you’re looking at

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

26 A LADY BACHELOR. °° Oh, no; you committed her, but held yourself free to be man or devil.’’ George Edicott did not resent the imputation, and the keen, observing Laurence noted the fact, and for an inter- val neither spoke; one sat in thoughtful mood, looking downward, the other with his eyes fixed in an expectant attitude. ** What have you to say, George?”’ ** 1 asked your advice; I did not invite your criticism. ”’ ** You asked my advice; you shall have it. I am to understand ’’—the speaker placed marked emphasis on the word ‘‘ understand ’’—** that you unintentionally won the love of Miss Studevant; you are conscious of it, or, at least, you suspect it?’’ ** We will let it go at that.” ** Tf you suspect you have won her love, your suspicion must be founded on a certain basis. You are not an ego- tistical man, George; I will give you that much credit. Now, then, the basis of your suspicion is your devoted atten- tions and her pleasure in receiving them. My dear boy, let me tell you a fact: love does not always need to be put in a declaration; an avowal is not the first intimation we have that we love or are beloved. ‘T'he avowal is rarely made until there is a consciousness, a sure perception built on little somethings that can not be expressed in words. Your suspicion is founded on these little indices that speak as plainly as words. ”’ “© We will let it go at that.” ** T will not ask you why you were so blinded you could not perceive what you were doing; the mischief, according Eomicbooks Con