Weaker than a Woman — page 28: what you’re looking at

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

WEAKER THAN A WOMAN. 19 hardly answer her calmly, but he beat back his emotion. ‘She is so easily startled,” he said to himself—‘I must be very cautious what I say to her.” He answered: “Yes, and many of the beautiful things that Captain. “Henderson bought are there now. ‘To my mind it is the prettiest house in Lilford; and, my darling, I have a vision of you standing in that pretty entrance-hall, waiting for me when business hours are over. I can see the lght from the stained-glass window falling on your golden hair. I can see the sunlight lying outside on the flowers. I can see my wife’s sweet face grow brighter for my coming. I can see your hands stretched out to welcome me. I can also see the years pass on, and life grow brighter and more beautiful. Do you like the picture, Violet? Will you make it real ?” His great passionate love, shining in his eyes, trembling on his lips, touched her. Her beautiful face grew pale. She was woman enough to feel the beauty of the future he had painted for her—woman enough to appreciate the deep, honest, true love offered to her. “T would rather not promise,” she said ; “but I will think of it, Felix.” 7 You do not refuse, Violet?” “No, I do not refuse,” she answered. “Why, then,” he cried, “the victory is won! You will be my wife. My darling, I love you all the better for your shy, sweet reserve. How could I be so foolish as to fear that I should not marry my sweet girl-love Violet? See, darling, I have been keeping this for you ever since I came home from London last year.” He drew a little morocco . case from his pocket, and, opening it, took out a pretty ring. It was of gold, set with pearls. “You will let me put this on your finger, Violet. This is your betrothal-ring. You will never part with it—promise me.” She looked at the pretty jewel shining on her finger. “No, I will never part with it,’’ she said; ‘‘but remem- ber, Felix, I have not quite promised.’’ | ‘*Not quite,’’ he returned, with a happy laugh. ‘“ You will let me go back to the Limes with you, Violet, and tell Mr. Haye what I have asked you?” “Must you tell them now so soon?” she asked. “It will be almost the same thing as being married if you tell them.” “It will be only the foreshadowing of a happy future, my Violet, Yes, [ must tell them to-night. It would not be (E(0) Eomicbooks