Richard Forrest, Bachelor — page 169: what you’re looking at

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

160 MADLY IN LOVE. Hoe was turning the leaves of the book to hide the amuse- ment which he felt at her earnestness. Presently he re- marked: ‘‘By many persons, you know, he is called immoral.’’ Her lip curled. ‘‘By those, perhaps, who are incapable of criticising just- ly or else who merely skim through the pages superficially. And that is unfair. It is quite true he has been courageous enough to express his views fully upon certain subjects which few other writers have dared to do more than touch upon. But how has he treated them? With what power and grace does he draw his pen-pictures? Do any of his so called ‘immoral’ stories leave the reader infatuated with vice? Does he, himself, describe it as though he loved it? He simply deals with it intelligently and conscientiously ; he is not afraid, and he handles it without gloves. To this candor, which is really force of character, the sentimental world objects. Itis easy to condemn what one does not take the pains to comprehend. ”’ ‘“You are right, perhaps,’’ he admitted, smiling, ‘‘but you, too, are brave to reason in this bold way.’ ‘‘No,’’ she said, somewhat coldly, ‘‘I am only honest.”’ “This ‘Therese Raquin’ is not a particularly cheerful tale, however,’’ he remarked, after a short pause. The sudden animation which had just lighted up her face died out as quickly. ‘*Who reads stories for the mirth they get out of them? As well drink champagne for the sparkle one finds on it.’’ ‘Most people—I do, for instance. ’’ She looked at him with a long, curious glance, and then laughed lightly. “Then youare a baby!’’ shesaid. ‘‘You still havea CEORNIELOOO KS, EC) im