When London Sleeps — page 155: what you’re looking at

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

150 IN THE TOILS Clever though she was in her own particular line as a public performer, she was not a very good actress, and she could not conceal, even in that criti- cal moment, the scorn she felt for the scoundrel before her. ‘“T am going to give you one more chance,”’ began Rodney. ‘‘Consent to become my wife and you ate free.’” | In his power though she was, she upreared her shapely head and answered haughtily: ‘fAs I told ycu when safe in my own home, I tell you now: I will die first!’ Rodney Haynes was not always able to control his temper, and this was one of the times he failed. With an exclamation of rage, he caught her roughly by the wrist. ‘ Then Queenie remembered the injunction that had been given her. : “Don’t, Rodney, don’t! You frighten me!’ she murmured, staggering as if about to fall. Haynes threw his arm about her waist, a touch which was hideous to her, but which, under the cir- cumstances, she was forced to submit to. She attempted to render herself as limp and _ lifeless as possible. ‘The simulation at all events deceived the man it was intended to deceive, and her cousin, be- lheving that she had fainted, laid her down upon the sofa. This turn in affairs was not altogether distasteful to Rodney Haynes, for it gave him the opportunity he desired. Now was his time, he thought. A few ~ comicbooks Om