Weaker than a Woman — page 85: what you’re looking at

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

7% ~~ WEAKER THAN A WOMAN. was for Miss Haye—there was no mistake as to the address —and with some curiosity they hastened to open it. “It is directed in a lady’s hand,” said Violet. “What can it be, mamma?” “ We shall see, my dear,” replied Mrs. Haye. When it was opened both ladies were speechless with surprise. It contained three complete costumes—one for a earden party, a most charming combination of blue and white, with a tasteful Parisian bonnet, gloves, shoes, and everything to match—a dress that Mrs. Haye declared made her heart beat to think of the money it must have cost; then an evening dress of white silk, with a train of blue velvet and blue velvet trimmings; lastly, a full and most exquisite costume for the ball, of white silk trimmed wich silver fringe and silver leaves. Mrs. Haye was amazed when she saw it. With it were white satin shoes, a fan, white feathers mounted in silver, a silver bouquet-holder, gloves, and a marvelous handker- chief of dainty lace. Violet looked at the treasures in won- der. | “Who can have sent these, mamma?” she asked. “T do not like-to take them. Have you ever seen anything so beautiful ?” | | | “If I believed in fairies,” said Mrs. Haye, “I should think that a fairy had sent them.” In her own mind she felt quite sure that the donor was sir Owen, but she would not say so. Violet had no suspic- ion—not even the faintest. She never thought of Sir Owen. “It must be a lady who has sent them,” said Violet. “No man would have understood what was wanted. Mamma, should you think that it was Lady Rolfe ?” “Iam really puzzled,” replied Mrs. Haye. “We will call your father.” Francis Haye came to the rescue. Violet wearied her- self in trying to guess, but she could not divine who was her benefactor. When she had carried the ball-dress away, the husband and wife looked at each other. “It is just as I said, Francis; but, mind, not one word. One careless word may spoil it all.” And neither of them breathed a sound to Violet of what they suspected. . | comicbooks.com —