A Final Triumph; or, A Lady Bachelor — page 86: what you’re looking at

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

84 A LADY BACHELOR. ‘**T have no basis on which to think or found a conclue sion; I can only hope.’’ ** And what do you hope?’’ ‘*T hope that the barrier to such happiness as I know he anticipated will be removed in time.”’ ** And can you think, that after such behavior, I could ever permit him to again approach my daughter as a friend?’’ ‘* Yes, madam; if he ever explains his conduct, I think you can; and my honest opinion is that the cause of George Edicott’s conduct, if ever explained, will prove to have been so inexorable it will serve as a satisfactory excuse. When he can excuse himself, 1 believe every one else will also, for it must have been some fearful event to have driven him to a course seemingly so dishonorable.’’ ‘* You still have faith in his honor??? **1 have. I leave, madam, to-day; we may never meet again. I deplore the wrecking of my friend’s happi- ness. Iam satisfied his life’s hopes have all been quenched; and you will excuse my freedom when I say, if the happiness of one whom you love is involved, there are two hearts. ready to break.’’ Laurence raised his hat and courteously bid Mrs. Stude- vant adieu, after having asked to be kindly remembered te her daughter; and thus for a time a noble man ceased to be an actor in a dramatic life-phase. One year passed. Laurence Adams saw nothing of the Studevants. He occasionally heard of them as being pres- ent at some social event. Ue frequently heard from his friend George Edicott; they had kept up a correspond- COPMICLOOOKS (C@)