Richard Forrest, Bachelor — page 209: what you’re looking at

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

200 “T COANNOT BE YOUR JUDGE.” her go and never return, but his second, as he noted the helpless, resigned attitude, was more charitable. Satisfying himself that the invalid was sleeping and un- conscious of all that had transpired, he turned to her and said: “‘Come!”’ Instinctively, as he saw her strength and will deserting her, his own returned, and he felt himself master of the situation. ‘‘T will go,’’ she replied, simply. But he detained her almost fiercely. ‘No, you shall explain to me first.’’ At this, she drew herself up haughtily. ‘I have not agreed to do so,’’ she said; then, as though having reflected, she continued, ‘‘but I do not refuse. Per- haps it is due both you and myself.’’ With abruptness born of nervousness, he stepped for- ward and renewed his grasp upon her arm, when she sud- denly faced him. ‘‘Mr. Forrest,’’ she uttered, evenly. ‘‘You are laboring under a false impression. I shall not try to elude you. On the contrary, I shall compel you to listen to my justifica- tion.’’ During that brief instant each of them felt one of those keen emotions which once in a life-time, perhaps, seem to sweep over our entire being and thrill us from head to foot. A sudden giddiness overcame Dick; all the blood in his veins appeared to rush to his brain. She, however, remained cold and collected. Dick crossed his arms, and motioning her to a chair, he . bowed his head. She refused the seat with a slight gesture, COMlCclDOOkKS.6O© im