Weaker than a Woman — page 259: what you’re looking at

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

250 | WEAKER THAN A WOMAN. “She ought to marry a duke next,” she said to her hus- band, but Francis Haye answered : “It is just possible she may not care to marry again.” His wife laughed at this. “ After proving herself so sensible, do you think she in- tends to retire upon her laurels?) You may depend upon it, Francis, her second marriage will be far more brilliant than her first.” “You know best, of course, my dear,” said Francis Haye, meekly. “ Violet owes a great deal to your training.” “I flatter myself,” remarked Mrs. Haye, “that I have made her what she is. My prudence and diplomacy, dur- ing her first foolish engagement to Felix Lonsdale, made her Lady Chevenix.” “That I believe, but I doubt if she has ever been really happy since. Do you remember how she used to smile and blush when Felix came ?” “It was childish nonsense; she has something better to do than smile and blush now,” replied Mrs. Haye, severely. “I hope when she does come you will not en- courage her in any nonsense. Only imagine—if we should live to see her a duchess! I always knew that she would be fortunate in life. What a cruel thing it would have been if she had married Felix Lonsdale !” At the end of the week another letter came to the office at Lilford, asking Darcy Lonsdale to go over to Lady Chevenix at once. He went, and on his return he said to Felix : “There is a terrible accumulation of work at Garswood. Lady Chevenix wishes me to remain at the Hall for a week, and clear up all arrears. It will occupy a week—the Michaelmas accounts are always heavy, but, Felix, I can- not spare a week. Lord Arlington’s rent-dinner and many other things are close at hand. Ido not think I can spare a week. I made a suggestion to Lady Chevenix, which she seemed very pleased with ; it was that, instead of my going to the Hall for six days, we should both go for three—that is, of course, if you are willing.” “Tt isa matter of indifference to me, father,” he replied. if ovina plan suits you best, or pleases you best, I will follow.” “Then we will both go. It is far easier to go to Gars- wood and take a clerk with us than to have all that mass — of documents brought to the office.” So it was settled that they were to go to the Hall, and do _ all the business as quickly as possible there. comicbooks Cor