Richard Forrest, Bachelor — page 181: what you’re looking at

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

172 “WHERE CAN SHE BE?” it is a beautiful day. Madame will drive this morning, I suppose? Eugene was here for orders, and I bade him wait.’’ | ‘‘No, I will ride. Get out my blue habit. Are there any letters?”’ ‘‘One, madame. Here it is.”’ Her mistress took the envelope, a square, blue affair with a large monogram conspicuously engraved on the back, and broke it open. ‘“What good news!”’ she exclaimed, involuntarily. ‘‘Dolly French is actually on her way here fora month. At last I shall have some one who can be some company for me. After all, Marie, I won’t ride this morning. Bring out my new gown; I’m going over to the casino.”’ The maid began to comb out her hair. ‘‘Pardon, madame,’’ she said, suddenly, ‘‘but I forgot to mention that a strange lady called half an hour ago and said she would return. She left no name.’’ ‘“Very well, I have not time to bother with any strange ladies to-day. Dress me quickly.”’ At this juncture the door opened, and a piquant little face, framed in the most ultra-fashionable of bonnets, thrust itself into the crack. ‘‘Bon jour, Mademoiselle Florine!’’ cried the owner of it, gayly. ‘‘Comment c’a va?2’’ Florine moved her head so quickly at the voice that Marie dropped four hair-pins. “By all that’s unholy if it isn’t Dolly!’’ she exclaimed, jumping up from her low seat before the glass. ‘‘Why, I only just got your letter saying you were coming. Sucha surprise! I am glad to see you! When did you leave Lon- don?’’ CEORNIELOOO! KS,EC) im