Richard Forrest, Bachelor — page 72: what you’re looking at

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

A CONFIDENTIAL TALK. 63 etc., until I fled the house. Poor old man! I fear he is in his dotage, and for that reason I feel badly about leaving him. But they’re a pair of precious old fools and no mis- take. You see, I’ve taken the only alternative. ’’ ‘““You’re right, my boy, not to countenance such a piece of nonsense,’’ uttered Forrest, heartily. ‘‘Why, the two romantic old simpletons must be stark mad! Go away for a while, and I’ll lay ten to one the governor sends for you inside of three months.”’ “T hate to leave him alone at his age,’’ returned Arthur, gloomily. ‘‘Suppose anything were to happen to him dur- ing my absence?’’ ‘You would have nothing to reproach yourself with, whatever happened,’’ said Forrest. ‘‘You simply can't stay if he persists in this absurdity. Let him cool off.’’ “T think just as you do,”’ answered Eldridge, ‘‘so there’s nothing left for me but to go, is there? Take a fresh cigar- ette.’’ Forrest made a negative motion with his hand. He was busily thinking. ‘‘Now [ see the connection between what you have just told me and the few remarks you dropped about Miss Del- mar in the beginning,’’ he exclaimed, triumphantly, a mo- ment later. ‘‘At first, I confess, I didn’t. You’re in love with the little one and have had a falling out with her, but are determined not to throw away your chances with her by a foolish move. You’re right, if you think she is the woman for you. Depend on it, all will turn out well if you’ve only got sand. Manage your own love affairs, and then, if they go wrong, you’ve no one but yourself to blame. But I must be off now; I’ve an engagement at the club at ten. Might look in about one if you’reup. Anyway GOmIichbookssco