Weaker than a Woman — page 273: what you’re looking at

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

964 | - WEAKER THAN A WOMAN. growing old, and did not go so often to the office. The ‘‘small army” were rapidly growing up. Everything was prosperous and happy where so many trials had once seemed to threaten general destruction. Kate was one of the leading ladies now in Lilford—and very much enjoyed the position. Time had softened Miss Lester, while Eve — had grown more beautiful and spirituelle. Helix worked on steadily. He still made his home with his father, but Katie, in speaking of him, said, with tears in her eyes, that some day Providence would reward him for his goodness to them, and that he would find a wife worthy to be his partner for life. He went to see Evelyn when he had an hour to spare; they were the best of friends. Years afterward he saw how she had guided him without ever seeming to advise—how she had influenced him without ever seeming to use her influence ; and when he began the great battle of political life she was his right hand. The time that had been foreseen and prophesied had ar- rived. The borough of Ordstone was vacant, and through the interest of Lord Arlington, Felix had been returned. It was no surprise, for every one had prophesied it: Genius must and will make its way to the front when it is allied with perseverance and industry; genius alone does little. ‘‘M. P. for Ordstone.” Felix Lonsdale was pleased—he exulted as men exult. He had now a foremost place—he had made a name. Like all other men worthy of anything, he was ambitious; and it seemed to him that his ambition would be realized. On the evening of the day of his election it was some relief to him to escape from the noise of the crowd, and spend a quiet hour with Evelyn. How she rejoiced with him! How she exulted in his success! How wise and sweet she was in her counsel! It seemed to him as though his soul had found one more than a friend. ‘‘My foot is on the first step of the ladder. Eve, how high shall I climb, do you think ?” He never forgot the beautiful, earnest look on her fair face as she answered : ‘‘As high as heaven, I hope.” And those few words, spoken by the tender lips of a noble woman, were to him like an eloquent sermon. From that hour his life seemed to have higher and better aims, and into it came no dream of woman’s love, until one day, comicbooks com>