Richard Forrest, Bachelor — page 158: what you’re looking at

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

A GOLDEN FUTURE PREDICTED. 149 ‘Not far, then,’’ she replied, ‘‘as it’s growing cold. You stay here, Madame Philippe.’’ When they were out of Madame Philippe’s hearing, he resumed: ‘You will go with Bartonni, then? It is settled?”’ ‘Oh, bother! is that all you want?’’ she exclaimed, im- patiently. ‘‘For the last time, then, yes, ow7z, si. Now do you comprehend, stupid?”’ “And if I offer the same amount?”’ He paused, clutching his thin hands convulsively. But she did not answer at once, enjoying the torture she was inflicting upon him. At last: ‘‘It’s rather late now,’’ she returned. ‘‘My mind is made up. Besides, it would not be fair, you see.’’ ‘‘No, itis not too late,’’ he entreated. ‘‘Be reasonable. Bartonni is a mere nobody.’’ She shook her head, but as he continued to plead, she smiled a little. Then, after appearing to reflect for a mo- ment or two, she said, at length, gravely: ‘“‘No, my good Fabbricotti, I cannot disappoint Bartonni —at any rate, not without ample compensation. Make it four hundred, and 1am yours. Business is business.’’ The poor man stared, aghast. Beads of perspiration stood out on his forehead. ‘““You are insane!’’ he ejaculated. | ‘NotI; itis my price. Am I worth it to you? Come, I am sick of this; take me back to my carriage. Decide quickly.”’ A wild fury against this slip of a girl, who dared to dic- tate to him in such a barefaced manner, welled up in his breast. But he was powerless, and his greed for money was ereat. EGomichbooks (C)