Vashti's Fate — page 233: what you’re looking at

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

228 A WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING. SS to her knees, and leaned her crossed arms upon the seat of a chair. ‘“How then? How then?” Margery Gresham repeated, in a sort of appalled maze. ‘‘Vashti Everleigh, what do : you mean? Tell me, in so many words, what do you | mean?” | ‘Tf my father did not shorten his own life, who did? qi Margery Gresham, you know who did, I know—almost I | know. It is for that reason my lips never touch your hand nor your cheek—for that reason my heart recoils from the thought, the very thought of you. Don't tell me you did * pi itat his bidding. The pallor of your face, the horror in oa _ your eye, tell me that you are a conscious-stricken woman. | ees Some dark mystery lies back of all I know on this terrible | a - subject. Tell me what it is—you only can do it.” The pallor of Margery Gresham’s face was indeed fright- ful, and she only said, with the same appalled look as be- fore : 3 % ‘‘When you are quite well and calm enough to bear to hear what I have to say, I will tell you—not now. I have borne mountain-weights of sorrow in this unhappy house— I can bear even this.” The girl’s white lips opened to speak ; but bringing her hand down with fierce emphasis upon the table at which she sat, Margery said : ‘As I live, I will tell you nothing now. Do you think I would endure to know that you cast this foul suspicion Se on me, and not say one word to exonerate or defend my- self, if my reasons for being silent were not powerful ones? = No, I will not tell you now. . Get you away to your room, a and carry your evil thoughts with you. I have borne much from you before now—I wil show you how I can bear this.” 4 cx i ae, : ‘ ‘ é $ wok fs Som, Se ee bebe ; q ~~ ©. si 4 . s - +i >. % ‘ > _ Saas oe d - : ee fe °