Weaker than a Woman — page 87: what you’re looking at

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

* ; 78 iy WEAKER THAN A WOMAN. knew that such treasures existed—that such splendor could be; unconsciously she crushed her lover’s little note in her hand as she beheld the treasures on the walls. She passed through long, broad corridors, where white marble statues gleamed from among pyramids of choice flowers; she gazed on glorious pictures and picturesque fountains; and all the time Sir Owen walked by her side whispering gay, pretty compliments. They came to the drawing-room at last—a large, lofty room, with an exquis- itely painted ceiling, and bright with flowers and statues. ~ In the midst of all the magnificence stood Lady Rolfe, with a smile on her face, waiting to receive them. That was remarkable in itself: but that she should be go gracious and so amiable was more remarkable still. She welcomed them with courtly, kindly words, and in all she said she was seconded by her daughter Lavinia. Sir Owen, she said, had asked her to assist him, and she had for a time undertaken the duties of hostess. Then she sent them to their various rooms. Before Vio- let had been many minutes in hers a pretty Parisian sou- brette entered, who announced herself as Lady Rolfe’s maid. “ Her ladyship,” she continued, “thought that as you had not brought a maid, I might be of some service to you.” For half a moment Violet felt a sensation of shame that she had brought no maid, then of wonderas to what she Should do with one. She accepted the proffered help, and the little Parisian, Aimee by name, soon had everything ready for her. | , Violet had never worn a fashionable evening dress be fore, and she looked in real wonder at the marvelous white - ness of her fair neck and arms, and at her rounded shoul ders, that were perfect as a masterpiece of sculpture, while the white silk showed off her graceful figure. The train of blue velvet gave her the look of a princess. In her hair Aimee placed a beautiful white camellia, and another lay, like a white star, in the bodice of her dress. To Aimee it was a labor of love to dress Miss Haye. She did wonders with the shining, golden hair; and when Vio- let was ready to go down-stairs she stood before the great mirror in wonder. Was that exquisitely radiant girl her- self? She longed for Felix -to see her. There was no pleas- ‘ure without him. How he would admire her! W hat a never-to-be-forgotten evening it was! Her greatest difficulty was in keeping herself from expressing her won- der. She went down to the drawing-room, and found two or three other ladies with Lady Rolfe. She had ap uneasy comicbooks