Richard Forrest, Bachelor — page 232: what you’re looking at

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

EXONERATED. 223 so arranged that on reaching the top of the first landing of the spacious staircase, the conservatory might be entered through three wide glass doors. | Her own apartments were upholstered in pink and white, and it was here only that she had allowed her feminine na- ture to creep out and assume full Sway. Here in profusion were all the dainty articles so dear to a luxury loving woman’s heart, but Hefore which the stronger sex remains dumb with perplexity; the low, lace-draped toilet-table, with its numberless silver brushes and bottles, the jewel- box and mirrors of every size, length, and breadth. Arthur had reserved but one nook for his own especial use, and that was a very small room which he straightway christened his ‘‘den.’’ He appeared to take absolute com- fort in the contrast this place afforded to the rest of the house. It was simply furnished, with plenty of easy-chairs and a huge leather-covered lounge. On the walls hung the heads of moose and deer, crossed swords and rifles. The floor was waxed and spread with pelts, while in front of the fire-place was stretched a splendid tiger skin. It was to the ‘‘den,”’ then, that Arthur brought Dick on the afternoon in question. The curtains were drawn, anda cheerful fire burned on the hearth. His man was putting some papers in order as they entered (for Arthur would al- low no maid to set foot upon the sill), but he disappeared immediately. , ‘‘Now, then,’’ began Arthur, as his guest sank comforta- bly into a seat a little away from the blaze, ‘‘you will ex- plain the extraordinary statement you made at the club just now. I haven’t quite made up my mind whether to be amused or insulted by it.’’ He himself had remained standing with folded arms. CORMEOOOKS (E(o) im