Weaker than a Woman — page 92: what you’re looking at

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

WRAKER THAN A WOMAN. 83 “T want to show you Larch Hill,” he replied. She did not quite like being there alone with him. Felix would not like it, yet how could she resist? _ “Every one who comes to Garswood sees Larch Hill,” he continued. “It is really the prettiest spot about here.” “But your guests will miss you,” she said. “T am with the queen of the fete,” he returned, with a. low bow, and she saw that he did not care in the least whether he was missed or not. He led her to the summit of the hill, to the rustic seat under the larches. “T was thinking all last night,” he said, “that I would bring you here to-day. I want you to look well around you. See how the sun shines on Garswood! Look at the Hall first.” It was a magnificent panorama that was spread out be- fore her. Not the least important feature in it was the grand old Hall, with its towers and turrets. He stood by her side. “From here as far away as your eye can reach,” he said, “jg mine. North, south, east, and west—it is all mine. You see the river like a broad silver line in the distance—the boats and the barges on it are mine. You see the villages ‘nestling among the trees, the rich, well-cared-for farms, the quiet, pretty homesteads—they are mine—all mine.” “Tt is a noble property,” she said. | “Yes: there is not a larger or better estate in England, and the beauty of it is that it lies all together. You see the dark mass of woods over there to the left; the trees in them a magnificent fortune in themselves, and they are all mine. You see that broad stretch of meadow-land where the cattle graze—it is all mine!” | She made no reply; his words and his looks confused her. “T am lord of the soil,” he said, “for many miles round. I know no other place so fine as Garswood. Violet Haye all this is mine; and, if you will speak only one word, it shall all be yours.” She turned to him with a startled glance. “T do not understand you,” she declared. “How could it be mine?” “Tt can all be yours if- you will marry me, Violet,” he whispered. 3 : Her beautiful face grew pale as death. “T cannot marry you,” she replied, quickly. “Why not, Violet? Tell me why.” “ Because I am engaged to marry Felix Lonsdale,” (E (0) ‘comicbooks “ie