Richard Forrest, Bachelor — page 196: what you’re looking at

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

ARTHUR'S FOLLY. 157 he sighed impatiently and cast longing glances at the invit- ing sunshine outside. The mail had just come in, and with her hands full of letters, Gertrude had returned afresh to her occupation. She was the picture of health and beauty in her blue silk matinee, trimmed with old lace, and her hair coiled loosely at the back of her neck. ‘‘Very civil of Lady Barrow, is it not, dear?’’ she re- marked, as she finished the letter. ‘‘She certainly appears to be sincere in her invitation, to write twice. ’”’ ‘Ves, you must accept. All the best people will be there.’ ‘‘Oh, no, I wouldn’t for the world.’’ ‘‘Ror what reason, pray?’ ‘‘Leave you ill, while I am enjoying myself somewhere else? I would be a proper wife, indeed.’’ ‘‘Nonsense! I’m well enough; I shall recover very quick- ly, if I’m given half achance. It’s this everlasting cod- dling which keeps me flat on my back,’’ he returned, not very graciously. Then seeing the reproachful look his wife bent upon him, he instantly changed his tone. ‘‘No, I don’t mean that, darling, of course, you know, and your devo- tion is delightful; only it is no end tiresome lying here bundled up like asick baby, and I get infernally bored with it. Besides, if I thought I was depriving you of your liberty I would never forgive myself for the stupidity of it all. What’s so wrong with me, anyway? A little sore throat and fever, and yet Iam starved and treated like a dying man. Goto Lady Barrow, if just to please me, and I'll come as soon.as I can; that’s a dear girl.”’ “But you recollect the doctor said you must be quiet, ”’ persisted Gertrude, doubtfully, ‘‘and if I’m away——”’ E@RNIELOOO KS, EC) im