A Final Triumph; or, A Lady Bachelor — page 79: what you’re looking at

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

UNCERTAINTY. V7 Eloise stood motionless and silent. She did not at- tempt to protest by voice or gesture. Her face was a study; the situation was a critical one, and Laurence Adams was equal to the emergency. ‘To him it appeared a matter of life or death. He knew he was violating all conventional rules, but there are times when the violation of these rules is justifiable; they are frequently violated when necessity demands. He felt that necessity so de- manded at that moment. ** What would you say?’’ almost gasped Eloise. ** Shall I speak?’’ ** Yes. ”’ ** T do so as his friend; I do so in justice to him, to you.. ‘George Edicott loves you!’ The girl’s face hardened; she looked, under the star- light, like a beautiful statue. ‘The announcement ap- peared to freeze her blood, to stop every pulse-beat, to kill every nerve sense. Laurence was ready to spring forward and rescue her, should her strength desert her; but she did not fall, and with a calmness that was wonderful, demanded: ‘** Why did he reveal this to you and not to me?’’ *“'That is what 1 desire to explain. But first let me say | know you do not love him. I speak plainly, but -your pride is wounded—”’ Laurence stopped short. ‘The girl waited with singular patience; she did not say proceed, and he was forced te continue without encouragement: ‘* George Edicott is an honorable man. He paid you a great deal of attention, and yet, for some reason, he did not dare tell you what he told me.’’ COPMICLOOKS (C@)