Weaker than a Woman — page 190: what you’re looking at

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

- a ° is & Si el eee ./. Mar os. poe at po a> , * o -~ € tg 4 _ - ’ ° . ’ . - : WEAKER THAN A WOMAN. i8i ceived their guests. Several were already assembled, but standing apart from all others Felix saw Lady Chevenix. It was the first time he had met her in her own home, in the midst of the splendor that was now hers, and his eyes were dazzled by her wondrous beauty. Her dress of white silk with trailing roses was richly trimmed with fringes of gold. She wore a tiara of diamonds setin gold. Her ex- quisite beauty and her exquisite dress dazed him for a few moments, but he made no sign; and Darcy Lonsdale was proud of his son, as he advanced with princely grace and carriage into the room and bowed to the lovely woman who, _ despite all her efforts, grew deathly pale as she saw him. Lord Arlington, who never neglected any opportunity of publicly showing his great affection and regard for Darcy Lonsdale, went up to him and began a long and interesting conversation with him. Lady Maude called Felix to her side. And so the Lonsdales’ arrival passed off ag be Qrri- _ val of any other guests would have done. “T am glad you came,” said Lady Maude to Felix. “I was afraid you would refuse, and I should have been sorry for that.” . Then dinner was TRCenGa. and the long and stately procession moved forward to the dining-room. Felix, from where he sat, could not only see Lady Chevenix, but he could hear all that was passing. He wondered at her per- fect grace and elegance. She took her place at that su- perbly appointed table as though she had been accustomed to it all her life. There was no shyness, no mauvaise honte, no gaucherie of manner. If she had been the daughter of a duchess she could not have been more well-bred, more re- fined and graceful. He watched her keenly, and with won- der. Where had she acquired her perfect grace and ease of manner ? Sir Owen, awed by the presence of his distinguished guests, behaved with great propriety, and altogether the dinner was a great success. Lady Chevenix gave the signal to the Countess of Arlington, and the ladies arose. Felix sprang up to open the door forthem. His eyes met Vio- let’s, and he saw a red flush cover her face, and rise even to the roots of her hair. Was she ashamed to parade before him her wealth, her - grandeur, her jewels?) The more shame she felt the better for her—it was a good sign. The gentlemen had a pleasant half hour, and then they rejoined the ladies. Ai Surely, ” thought Lady Chevenix, “I shall be able to see him, to say afew words to him. I must know if he al-_ Eo mn (e(oY payficel eveyoyl <S