Richard Forrest, Bachelor — page 79: what you’re looking at

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

70 “LOOKS LIKE FATE.” ‘‘Hadn’t we better be off?’’ whispered Forrest, but still his friend, who was standing in the door-way, made no sign of even having heard him. Forrest waited a moment longer, then bowing to Miss Clayton, hat in hand, he started toward the staircase. Then only Arthur seemed to rouse himself. ‘‘Miss Clayton, may I have a word with you?’’ he said, at length, hastily. She came toward him. ‘‘T merely wished to say,’’ he continued, ‘‘that if there is any way in which I can be of service to you, I would take it as a great favor if you will let me know. We have never met before, but the fact is, Mr. Clayton and my father have been friends for years. Here is my card, and the address, University Club, will always find me.’ Miss Clayton took the card, started slightly as ihe read the name engraved upon it, and then replied, politely, if coldly: ‘You are very kind, Mr. Eldridge, and I thank you for what you have done for my father. If I need youl will send you word.”’ ‘fT will call in the morning to see how he is,’’ concluded Arthur. | ; She had returned to the invalid’s bedside, ind her back was toward him. ‘“Thanks,’’ he heard her murmur, and then he followed Dick down stairs. | ‘“‘Is it you at last?’’ uttered Mr. Forrest, who was await- ing him impatiently. ‘‘Upon my word, I concluded that you had decided to spend the night there. Whatever kept you?”’ | ‘IT simply wanted to find out if I could be of f any use to. ILS a(COLU