A Struggle for a Ring — page 119: what you’re looking at

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

A HUSBAND’S CAUTION. ’ CHAPTER XVI. A isin s CAUTION. ‘*T have good news for you, Vivian,” said the Countess of Waldrove to her son; ‘‘I may say, really, that Provi- dence has blessed my efforts. The duke has proposed for your sister. She is really very fortunate; I consider him the best match in England. Now, if Lord Rawdon would make Gertrude an offer, all anxiety would be off my mind.” ‘‘Tam glad to hear it,” replied Lord Carsdale; ‘‘I think Linda likes him very much.” ‘* My dear Vivian,” said the countess, with her grand air, ‘‘it is not a question of ‘liking.’ Linda has been brought up too well to allow of any such puerile reason as ‘liking’ to influence her. The duke is a man who com- mands universal respect from his rank and position.” ‘¢ Mother,” said Lord Carsdale, ‘‘ shall you be very angry if I ask you a question?” ‘IT do not think that you would ask me a question which could make me angry,” she replied. ‘*Tell me, then, did you love my father when you mar- ried him?” ‘‘I knew what my position and station required from me. Your father was ponsiuets an excellent and most befitting match for me.’ ‘But did you love him?” persisted the young lad. ‘Do tell me, mother.” ‘‘Perhaps not, as boys and girls understand the word love; but I love him now, Vivian; and I have come to comicboo