A Final Triumph; or, A Lady Bachelor — page 78: what you’re looking at

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

76 A LADY BACHELOR. ‘*Tt was fortunate, Miss Studevant, for more reasons than one, that 1 was here.” ‘* My escape was a fortunate one. 1 do not know what possessed me to invite such a danger by walking at this hour. 1 will return at once.”’ ‘*Do not go to the hotel, Miss Studevant, until you . have heard me.”’ The girl recoiled. ‘*T am the friend of George Edicott. Before he went away he held a long talk with me.”’ By an effort, Eloise managed to say, her eyes gleaming: **'Your conversation with Mr. Edicott does not concern me, Mr. Adams!’’ ‘* Tt does concern you, Miss Studevant,’’ declared Lau- rence, boldly. The tableau presented at that moment was a striking one, and Laurence, fearing to lose his opportunity, added quickly: **1 overheard your words, Miss Studevant. 1 am not to blame; I was an involuntary listener. It is well, for reasons that I will explain, that I did overhear them. I have something to say to you. George is my friend; I love him as I would a brother; his honor is sacred to me. ”’ The girl drew back, and Laurence hastened to say: ‘*'he words I overheard embolden me to speak. His secret is safe with me—yours also. In mercy, for the mo- ment looking at the facts in the case, put aside your pride and let me speak. I am an honorable man; I will not offend your delicacy. George made a revelation to me; he confided a secret to me he should have told to you.” COMIC LOOKS (EO)