Weaker than a Woman — page 187: what you’re looking at

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178 WEAKER THAN A WOMAN. “T have thought of that, too. The general impression would be that Felix held some kind of resentment against — Lady Chevenix, or that he had still some lingering liking left for her. What do you say yourself, Felix ?” _ “My dear father, I will say nothing,” he smiled. “It is a matter of utter indifference to me. Ido not see that there is the least connection between Lady Chevenix and her husband’s agency. Accept or decline it, just as you will.” “Tf I accept it, I will undertake to do all the wane said Darcy Lonsdale. “Then I will do more for you, so that you may not feel it,” said Felix. “There would be one thing,” remarked Mr. Luin “Tf we take the agency we shall be compelled to visit Gars- wood at times, and I do not know whether you would like : ~ that, Felix.” *T shall neither like nor dislike it,” he replied. “Tt is a matter of utter indifference to me. I do not like Sir Owen, I confess; as to Lady Chevenix I say nothing. If we are compelled to visit them we must suffer the penalty of mixing in society.” He spoke in a tone of such perfect freedom and indiffer- ence that Darcy Lonsdale said to himself," He has forgot- ten her,” but Kate and Eve both looked anxiously at him. He looked indifferent, and Kate thought he had achieved the victory, but Eve knew him better, and understood that he would fight to death, but would never yield. So, after a long and animated discussion, it was decided that Darcy Lonsdale should write to Sir Owen and tell him that his offer was accepted. “Tam glad,” said Eve, “for I hear many people say that unless matters improve the time will come when Lady Chevenix will badly want some one to look after her inter- ests. Sir Owen drinks dreadfully, and has no thought of the hundreds he lavishes when he is not sober. Poor Lady Chevenix, with all her beauty, may yet want a friend.” “T hope not,” said Darcy Lonsdale, kindly. “If I have anything to do with Sir Owen’s affairs I shall do my best always for her.” So the matter was settled, and Sir Owen, when he read the note in which Mr. Lonsdale gave his consent, was gratetul. He took it at once to his wife. “They have consented, Violet,” he said. ‘‘Now from this day henceforth I shall lead a happy life; all that reading w ' com comicbook Pad aati