Richard Forrest, Bachelor — page 193: what you’re looking at

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

184 “WHERE CAN SHE BE?” know how I have suffered on your account and,”’’ quickly, ‘‘T never wish you to know. We will be all in all to each other, as in the old days. Let us leave this place with its hideous recollections and suggestions at once—to-night, if possible. You will never regret it, and I will—I do forgive you.’’ When these broken, passionately spoken words began to fall from her sister’s lips Florence stood staring at her in amazement. Then, as she went on, a disdainful little smile, which, before she had finished grew into a well-defined sneer, settled in the corners of her mouth. ‘‘[am inexpressibly sorry, Rose, if 1 have led you to misunderstand me,’’ she said, frigidly; ‘‘it was entirely unintentional, I assure you. It is needless for me to assure you that your appeal touches my heart, and I would gladly grant your request if I could. But it is too late. What! go back to the ennui and drudgery from which I have but just escaped? Never! The tiger has tasted blood; the beg- gar is in the saddle, and I would die rather than return to obscurity. ’’ Rose turned slowly away, every trace of her recent emo- tion gone. There could be no mistaking Florence’s sincer- ity. ‘‘It is unnecessary, then, for any more words to pass be- tween us,’’ she said, speaking with an effort. ‘‘Don't be angry with me! Oh, do not!’’ cried Florence, beseechingly, endeavoring to take her sister’s hand. ‘‘I dc appreciate your goodness, Rose, as I live, I do, only things are different now. What will you do? Where will you go— back to the old place? I shall like to think of you as there. But why not stay with me for a while? Perhaps you may grow to feel differently toward the world and me—poor, E@RNIElOOO KS, EO) im