Weaker than a Woman — page 100: what you’re looking at

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

woman would instantly have taken Sir Owen’s part— would have done her utmost to, induce her daughter to WEAKER THAN A WOMAN. oe gy break her promise—would have railed against Felix. Mrs. . Haye was far too wise—to take that course would be to confirm Violet in keeping her word. She understood women—she knew that, if she opposed her, Violet would take refuge in making herself an interesting martyr; whereas, if she and her husband remained passive, and al- lowed her to see just what she might have and what she might lose, Mrs. Haye had no doubt of the result. Sir Owen remained at the Limes with them for an hour or two, and it was Mrs. Haye who reminded him that his guests were waiting. “7 do not care for my guests,” he said—‘I care only for you. If you will not go back with me you must let me stop here,” and she had great difficulty in persuading him to go. Not one word about Sir Owen was said to Violet after his departure. ‘Leave it all to me, Francis,” said Mrs. Haye to her hus- band ; “if you interfere you will mar all. Leave it to me, and do not utter a single word.” , He obeyed, well pleased to have no responsibility in the matter—he did not like the idea of a broken promise. Violet had expected expostulation, reproaches, persua- sion. She could hardly realize the silence; then she came to the conclusion that her parents must have thought Sir Owen was joking, and her dignity was somewhat wounded at the notion. Later on in the evening Felix came, and she saw that he looked anxious, worn, and haggard. Mrs. Haye had never received him more kindly. Mr. Haye was tired, and had gone to his own room. Mrs. Haye made Felix sit down with them, and began to talk to him about his father, his family, the business, and its prospects. The simple, noble-hearted young fellow opened his whole heart to her; he told her all his sorrow and distress about his father—how he had been out, and had met some one who had spoken to him harshly in respect of the will case, and the consequence had been a severe relapse. “The fact is,” said Felix, “that my father is breaking his honest heart, Mrs. Haye.” “Itis very sad,” she returned—* very sad, and very hope- ess.” “Yes—it is almost hopeless,” agreed Felix; “it seems as though the very spring of his life were gone. I know ‘cOMICHDOO <“S (Elo) m