Out of the Past — page 76: what you’re looking at

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

Out of the Past. 73 “Tell me what they are all talking about,’ she de- manded, sweeping her eyes over the throng. “That would be interesting to know. There have been recent events and scandals among the great people not present whom they all know. Most of the women are moved by rising virtuosi and some worship at the shrine of the new poets. Many are versed in political intrigue and are manceuvering this or that favor to gain advance- ment for their husbands.” “Eh, mon Dieu! And do none of them talk of love?” “N-no. Not in public.” b “They waste time,” said Saline sententiously. “I can improve upon their methods vastly. Now—if I were one of them I should say to you, “There is but one accident to-night which renders the dulness of this place bearable —and that is your presence. You shed the very atmos- phere of love, and the hearts of women must be staidly schooled to run a steady pace when you are near.’ ” Robert stared. “Faith, you would very much surprise me if you said ite “Oh, I could say much more than that, if I were one of them. I could say, for instance, “Your hand lying on that dark surface and shining against it, is fine, fébril, supple; if it held my own I could refuse you nothing.’” Robert CORNICLOOOKS.: