Weaker than a Woman — page 99: what you’re looking at

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e ; 90 WEAKER THAN A WOMAN. willing to let them go. “They will have that handsome — | young lawyer about the place again, and all the good I have done will be undone,” he said. But Mrs. Haye was even more worldly-wise than himself —she declined to spend another evening there. He had ordered a dainty luncheon to be prepared for them ina charming little anteroom known as the Star Room—it bore that name because it was one blaze of light, through the number of its mirrors, girandoles, and lusters. When the sun came through the eastern window, and lighted it, the effect was something magnificent. If he had hoped to dazzle them with a fresh exhibition of his wealth, he had most certainly chosen the right way. | Then luncheon was laid on the table, elaborately spread with handsome plate, rare wine, costly fruit—every lux- —ury that could gladden the heart of man. When Sir Owen sat down with them Mr. Haye expressed his regret at leav- ing so magnificent and hospitable a house. His host looked up with a slight laugh—a keen observer would have seen that he was agitated. “Iam glad you like the place,” he said. “I have been asking your daughter to remain here.” A warning touch from his wife’ told Francis Haye that he was to remain silent. She looked at and addressed Sir Owen. _ “I do not understand you; how could Violet remain here without us ?” “As my wife, Mrs. Haye; if she will only consent, Gars- wood and its master, with all that it contains, shall be hers.’’ Mrs. Haye rose slowly, and drew her shawl around her shoulders. * You are very kind, Sir Owen,” she said, dryly, “and I am sure that Violet must be quite flattered by your gener- ous offer ; but—she has promised, I believe, to marry Felix Lonsdale.” : “That promise should not bind her,” he cried, eagerly ; “it was won from her under false pretenses. It will bea crying shame if you allow her to keep it.” “So I think,” said Mrs. Haye, as she drew on her gloves; “but Iam quite powerless in the matter.” Nor would she hear another word. She hastened their departure, and Sir Owen left his other guests to drive them home. In this case, as in others, Mrs. Haye showed herself to be a woman of more than ordinary intelligence. An average comicbooks.com — . Lea 4 “Si, 7 \ ~ ‘ +. i. Pn | f * - er Ps