Weaker than a Woman — page 82: what you’re looking at

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

“Lady Rolfe told me to consult her when I found myself in any difficulty.” | Violet looked up with an air of great relief. “T wish you would,” she said. “She knows far more about such matters than I do.” — ‘“ But you see itis your opinion I want, not hers,” said Sir Owen. “I thought of this—a fete in the park, and, to wind up with, a grand ballin the house. We could have WEAKER THAN A WOMAN. | 73 Pearson’s quadrille band from London; and I thought of. sending to Gunter for the supper. What do you think of it?” , Her beautiful face paled a little and then flushed. “I think it would be most delightful,” she replied. “Though Mr. Haye is an invalid, still he would like to see everything going on,” continued Sir Owen. “Perhaps he, Mrs. Haye, and yourself would come to the Hall on the day before the fete, and stay until the day after.” “I. should like it very much,” declared Mr. Haye. “I have not had such a treat for years.” “ Nor have I,” said his wife. “I cannot imagine anything that I shoufd like better.” After that Violet could raise no objections. “But you must grant me one favor,” continued Sir Owen —“‘you must promise to open the ball with me.” Again the girl’s beautiful face flushed and paled, but her mother looked impatiently at her. “Why do you hesitate, Violet?” she said. “It is an honor of which any lady in the county might be proud.” “You consent, then?” pursued Sir Owen. ~ Yes, [am willing,” she replied, inwardly dreading all that Felix would say about it, yet half delighted with the idea. “And I have your sanction for all thatI do. Is there anything you wish to suggest in the way of improvement ?” “No, I think not,” she replied, more than half fright- ened. 3 * What do you say to Tuesday week?” he asked. “Then I can drive over here, and take you all to Garswood on the Monday. Lady Rolfe will stay two days; we shall be quite a pleasant little party. I may rely upon you ?” “Yes,” agreed Violet, still somewhat nervous; then, looking up at him quite suddenly, “Why do you set store by my opinion and sanction?” she asked. “I donot know anything of these matters; 1 do not understand why you consult me.” ey (e(e) m Comicbooks