Weaker than a Woman — page 124: what you’re looking at

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

WEAKER THAN A WOMAN. 115 refuse to let him see her; they would invent some untruth or other, and, if she were really going to London, he should miss the only chance he had of seeing her. It was humili- ating and mortifying, but he must act as Jennie proposed ; he had no other resource. He-would go that night and see Violet. Again he wrote home to say that he should not rabaen until late; and Kate’s kind eyes filled with tears as she read, thinking how hard he was working, and her heart misgave her thatit was all for nothing; that the prize he was laboring and waiting and hoping for would never be his. She had heard of Violet’s absence from home, and her quick mother-wit had soon told her that of that absence Felix knew little or nothing. She drew a bad augury from that. It boded mischief to him, she felt sure. She was compelled to content herself with the thought that she would sit up for him and attend to his comfort when he did return. Felix went. He hated himself for going at night, when no one could see him; for seeking a clandestine interview with his promised wife. The night was dark, and the wind blew cold. It was after nine when he reached the entrance gate. He found it open, and Jennie waiting for him inside. “You will not be angry with me, sir, will you?” she said. “But it seemed to be almost as though some one were being killed. I am quite sure they have persuaded my young lady to marry some oneelse. I heard her crying bitterly this evening.” | But Felix could not discuss the subject nearest to his heart even with this faithful, humble friend. “Do you think I shall be able to see Miss Haye, Jennie? he asked. “Yes, sir. Iwill give her a message that in a few min- utes will bring her down here to you. She will not be angry with me.” And ina few minutes she had kept her word. CHAPTER XXITI. | “ITE SUBSTANCE FOR THE SHADOW.” Jennie delivered her message, and Violet quien ap- peared at the gate of the Limes. Before Felix had spoken to her, before he had touched her hand, the moment he had looked into her fair, droop- ing face he knew that she was guilty. Something had gone (elo) OLA m : EGCOMICbOO ty <s)