Weaker than a Woman — page 216: what you’re looking at

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

* _~ * = a, 7 . ‘af * st ; } a . ~ @?« o ~ 4 “4 —" : < ‘ — = . — -~ 7 * od ] ‘ - ‘er 7 . Vv i WEAKER THAN A WOMAN. | 207 one praising the graceful, beautiful hostess, but no one saw her standing later on in the evening with tears in her eyes watching the sunset. \ \ \ RECITING POETRY. Sir Owen had a novel idea—it was, when the June quarter-day came around, to invite the principal tenants to dine at Garswood. Such things were done by the great landed proprietors of the county, and he was desirous of imitating them. This reminded him that there were sev- eral other matters that required attention—some of the tenants’ leases had fallen in, and to renew them would re- quire a long and patient search in the iron room, where all deeds and documents of value were preserved. There was another important piece of business on hand. One of the farmers in the neighborhood had sold some land to Sir Owen Chevenix, but soon after the sale he died, and his successors disputed his right to sell. Most of the old title- deeds of the Garswood estate required careful perusing, so Sir Owen invited Darcy Lonsdale to stay for a few days at Garswood. It would be much easier, he thought, for him to read all the various papers there than: to have them taken to his office. Mr. Lonsdale thought so, too, and promised to ride over to the Hall, but shortly before the appointed time some important law business called for his presence in London. “T must go,” he said to Felix, ‘‘and you will have to take my place at Garswood—no one else can do it. What do you say, Felix? If you dislike it, I will give up my London engagement, but I do not think it can make any difference to you. What do you say?” And the elder man looked anxiously into the face of his son. Felix was silent for a few minutes, and then he said, with a frank smile: “It can’t matter, father; I goasa man of business, not as afriend. I will do it with pleasure. It would be as well for you just to write and hint to Sir Owen that he might prefer you.” “TI do not think he would,” returned Darcy Lonsdale _§ “vou are decidedly his tavorite, Felix.” Mr. Lonsdale was right. Sir Owen was much pleased at the change. He passed the lawyer’s letter to his wife, and she read it, , | —, CHAPTER XXXVIIL. ' comichbooks co