Richard Forrest, Bachelor — page 29: what you’re looking at

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

20 “IF HE WERE TO DISAPPOINT MY HOPES!” puts me in mind of a lovely bit of Dresden china made only to admire. ”’ | ‘‘T don’t believe she would object to the comparison, ’’ returned Florence, ‘‘Arthur says she is well-named.”’ ‘‘And you,’’ said Rose, ‘‘are you sure you could love Mr. Eldridge?’’ ‘Love him?’’ repeated Florence. ‘‘Pshaw, Rose! I may as well confess—just wait until he asks me outright to marry him, and you’ll see how long it will take me to say yes. Why, he’s a splendid match; spends heaps and stacks of money, and is so handsome, entirely lovable, in fact. How fine it will be if Iam ever Mrs. Eldridge! We’ll be so happy, youand I. You shall have the best rooms in the house and a brougham, all yourown. There will be no more old gowns made over. Not much! I will become a regular society woman. As for you——’’ She stopped short, checked by the expression on her sis- ter’s face. ‘“Why, what’s the matter?’’ she asked. ‘*Nothing, dear,’’ responded Rose, ‘‘only I cannot bear to hear you goonso. It sounds so worldly, so different from the way my little Florence would have talked a year ago. And as for this man,’’ she continued, with glowing eyes, ‘‘what do you really know about him? You say he is lavish with his wealth, but how does he spend it? What is his inside life? What are his habits? You don’t know, you cannot know anything but what he chooses that you may. Oh, Florence, reflect before it is too late, I implore you. Don’t be caught by the false glitter which may bring you to misery and wretchedness in the end. I can warn you, plead with you now, but if you refuse to listen to me there may come a time when I can help you no more. You | CORMNICLIOO<Sa(cOW