The Vestibule Limited Mystery — page 199: what you’re looking at

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

190 THE VESTIBULE LIMITED MYSTERY. “You may be able to prove all these things and you may not. Perhaps a jury would prefer to be- lieve me in preference—they have a weakness for women, you know. Then again, you would not dare drag the name of Hammond, and that of Trevellion, through a criminal court. I defy you to do your worst.” “You will not go?” “No. I believe Robert will protect me,” flashing a glance at him which fortunately he sees not. Poor Robert stands there, as though he hardly dares to call his soul his own. In later years he will be extremely mortified to remember the position in which fortune has placed him. “Well, I have something more to tell you, and perhaps that will influence you.” I deliberately take out the document signed by Andrews and the Jew. There is no longer any danger for me, since I have friends at hand, so I replace my weapon. “Listen while I read this.” Slowly I start in, placing emphasis upon the words ~ IT wish to bring out. In this I have a double motive —Robert hears as well as the bold adventuress, and I desire to prime him for the trial near at hand, when he must decide his own fate. As lIread, I glance up occasionally, to note the effect on Evangeline. She seems about to give way. Deprived of her father’s support she finds it harder to stand alone, and unless Robert fails me, I know I have the case won. At length I conclude with the remarkable contri- ~ bution of Doctor Samuels, in which he actually in- - comicbooks (ele) mn .