Vashti's Fate — page 184: what you’re looking at

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

A ae _" a on CHANGES. 179 which existed between Miss Gresham and Vashti—a feel- ing which he, as well as Miss Dale, has fostered to the best of his ability. Approaching Miss Margery with a most graceful and de- liberate manner, he said: ‘‘With all due respect to you, Miss Gresham, as an adopted relative of my future wife, I must beg leave to tell you that somehow you are laboring undera mistake. Miss Dale is a lady I have a very high esteem for—very ; but as to demonstrations of affection—pardon me—you are cer- tainly misinformed.” Miss Margery’s face, under this elaborate peroration, wore an expression of most ludicrous amazement. ‘The impudence of the man seemed at first utterly beyond her comprehension. ‘‘Misinformed !” she managed to blurt out. ‘‘How misinformed, sir? Do you mean that I cannot trust the evidence of my own eyes?” ‘“‘T mean nothing offensive, indeed, madam, but you know one couldn’t remain silent under such insinuations as that, even from a lady. ‘‘Tnsinuations!” she cried, finding vehement voice at last. ‘‘ There are no insinuations about it. It is a plain matter of fact. J have seen you myself caress that woman there—Miss Dale—with your arm around her and your lips upon her cheek. Insinuations indeed, sir! I know very well what I am saying, and you to talk of taking an Everleigh to wife! Vashti, Vashti, send this man off! He taints the very air with his breath.” Vashti started as though some one had struck her. She had gradually, as if fascinated, drawn near the group. She put her hand on Dascomb’s arm. Pressing the hand in both his, he led her to a seat, whispering ; (Elo) mn Gbooks