Richard Forrest, Bachelor — page 231: what you’re looking at

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

222 EXONERATED. CHAPTER XXVII. EXONERATED. Upon their return to New York, after an absence of nearly two years, Arthur’s first move was to purchase a fine residence on Madison avenue which he lost no time in turning into a home to suit himself and wife. Although a comparatively modern dwelling, both of them discovered so many alterations desirabls that it was fully six months before they were able to take literal possession of it. Painters, decorators, and plasterers gave place to uphol- sterers, who in turn made way for furnishers and art deal- ers, but at last, one bright November day, they drove up to the door to find all in readiness from attic to cellar. Gertrude was as delighted as a child. As far as possible Arthur had carefully deferred to her wishes, and the famous Zero who was called in professionally to pronounce judgment upon the result of the combined efforts declarea that ‘‘madame had marvelous taste. There was no more charming interior to be found in New York.’’ And as Zero was an individual whose opinion in that line was worth many a dollar to him, this was really a great compliment. All was soft and harmonious; there were no striking contrasts and very little color to be found anywhere. No room was a blaze of light, either by day or night; the sun’s rays filtered through curtains of exquisite texture, and the glow of the lamps was subdued by shades, each of which was a work of art in itself. Still cherishing her fondness for flowers, Gertrude had CORME OOO KSaEO©