Weaker than a Woman — page 30: what you’re looking at

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

WEAKER THAN A WOMAN. 21 late. It was hard to shorten this, the happiest hour of his life, but it must be done. 3 “Violet, I could stand here saying good-night until morn- ing dawned ; but that must not be. Good-night.” Once more he kissed the beautiful face, and whispered to her that she was dearest, sweetest, truest, that the world had no other jewel so rare, that he loved her with his whole soul: but she, when her fair face was resting on his breast and his strong loving arms infolded her, whispered : “T have not quite promised. Felix, do not forget that.” “JT shall remember it only to love you the more,” he answered, as he left her; and he smiled to himself each time that he thought of the words. “Vou have brought good news home, Felix,” said Mrs. Lonsdale, when she saw the happy light shining in his dark eyes. . “Ves, madre, good news,” he replied. “T have seen V10- let, and she was more beautiful and charming than I have ever seen her yet.” “ And she promised,” began Mrs. Lonsdale—and then she stopped suddenly, thinking to herself that after all she had no right to put the interrogatory that was on her lips. Felix looked at her with a bright smile. “She will be my wife, madre. Mr. and Mrs. Haye are both willing. She has not exactly promised, but she will marry me when I have a house ready for her.” Love and youth were strong within him; the mighty passion stirred his heart; he could not breathe within the narrow compass of four walls. He went out into the moon- light; he could think of it all—realize it all—better there. He had won Violet. She was his own, the beautiful girl whom every one loved and admired—his own, to love him and bless him, to crown his life. The union was a settled thing. Both families met and talked it over. It was a certainty; and a few days after Felix had placed the little pearl ring on Violet’s finger he went to make inquiries about the cottage orne, while Mrs. Lonsdale said to’ herself more than once, “I do not know how it is, but I wish that he had chosen Evelyn Lester.”’ CHAPTER IV. A STRONG-MINDED WOMAN. The news of an engagement was always well received in Lilford: it was something to discuss, to think of—some- Eomicbooks:.co