Weaker than a Woman — page 97: what you’re looking at

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

Sa - — _- gg _ WEAKER THAN A WOMAN. Violet followed her advice; she lay down to rest; but how could she sleep? Through her heart swept unceas- ingly the same refrain—*“I could be Lady Chevenix, mis- tress of all around, if I choose; but I hold my lover’s life in my hands.” Would it be a great sin, a grievous wrong, to break such a promise? Then she reproached herself for even enter- taining the thought. Of course, she would keep her prom- ise to Felix; but in the meantime there could be no harm thinking of what had happened and how wonderful it all was. She looked exquisitely lovely when she was dressed for the ball. Admiring eyes followed her every movement. It was agreed that the beautiful girl in white and silver, with a crown of silver leaves, was certainly the belle par excellence. To Violet the ball always remained more of a dream than a reality. She remembered her wonder at her own loveliness, the homage paid to her, the half subdued murmur of wonder when Sir Owen opened the ball with her, and then the signifieant glances that said plainly, “We can all see what this means.” She longed to say, “There is nothing in it—lI am going to marry Helix Lons- dale. Iam only queen of the fete, and my reign ends with it.” But she could not, so she played her part gracefully ; 1t was all to end so soon, and then it would speedily be for- gotten. She might just as well enjoy herself while she was there. She was so brilliant, so gay, so enchanting, that Sir Owen erew every moment more hopelessly in love with her. Peo- ple could think what they liked about Violet, but there was no mistake as to him—not the least in the world; he was quite lost; he saw and thought of nothing but Violet. Every one agreed that the ball was worthy of the fete. To Violet it was along dream of homage—the most eligible men in the room surrounded her—she was besieged by would-be partners. Sir Owen took Violet down to supper—the erapd supper served by Gunter, which was in itself a wonder; and then they danced until the sun rose in the eastern sky.. Sir Owen went to Mr. Haye. ‘‘T will do myself the pleasure of driving you home this afternoon,” he said, “if you will not spend another night here. I have something to say to you DEtOne you £0,’ ~comicb