Richard Forrest, Bachelor — page 192: what you’re looking at

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

“WHERE CAN SHE BE ?” 183 sisted the older sister, relentlessly. ‘‘You have not yet answered me.’’ Florence moved impatiently, while a warmer color over- spread her cheek. “Pshaw!’’ she exclaimed, as though forced into an un- willing confession. ‘‘Rose, they are anatural outcome of it all, I suppose. My position throws horses and chateaux in my way, and I have learned to accept them as my right. There! I have told you the truth, and I feel better for it,”’ with a sigh of relief. ‘‘And if you are inclined to judge me harshly, or, in fact, to never notice me again, I will, I must, of course, abide by your decision. As I cannot offer you an acceptable excuse for my conduct, I will offer none. Despise me, if you must; it is too late to mend mattezs now. Only, through it all in future do me the justice to recollect the story of my love affair with Arthur Eldridge. Had he not shown himself a brute, I would have been his wife and a respected member of New York society to-day. He, and he alone, is responsible for my position, whether you choose to consider it disgraceful or not.’’ ‘‘Is this the truth?’’ demanded Rose, hoarsely, fixing her glance almost savagely upon her. ‘‘Remember of what a serious thing you are accusing this man.”’ ‘‘Would I lie to you about it? What could my object be?’’ demanded Florence, in her turn, standing her ground pale and defiant. ‘‘I will swear it, on my life, if you in- sist.’’ ‘‘T believe it; I must believe it,’’ said Rose, slowly, as though weighing each word. ‘‘Oh, Florence,’’ she went on, abruptly, her whole face changing, ‘‘itis not yet too late, not too late to return to me. Come, we will go away together and forget all the horrible past. You will never Gomichbookssco im