A Parisian Romance — page 181: what you’re looking at

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

172 A PARISIAN ROMANCE, baron’s words, and it was therefore in the most innocent manner in the world that she replied: “Indeed! Who are they?” The baron leaned forward, until he was so close that his breath stirred her hair. “Why I, for instance,” he said, in a low voice, “and you must acknowledge that nothing could be more natural.” Marcelle was now thoroughly roused and not a little startled. She drew quickly away, and regard- ing with a certain look of defiance the repulsive face which had been so close to hers, she said, in icy tones: “You? And what can you do for us?” The baron was too old and experienced a hunter —inchases of this sort to abandon the game at the first set-back. In fact, obstacles only made him more keen. So, he said, wisely moderating his ardor a little: “Why, much, much! There is no reason why you should not gradually regain the position in society you once occupied there. It depends a little upon me, a little upon your husband, and—a little upon yourself also.” “Pardon me,” said Marcelle, paling a little, “I do not exactly understand you.” The baron’s lips twitched slightly with a nervous movement, as if he were repressing a smile. Very well, if she did not understand, he would proceed to enlighten her, as delicately as possible, Eomichbooks.- co