Beautiful but Poor — page 94: what you’re looking at

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

BEAUTIFUL BUT POOR. — 88 “T will give you an answer before you leave, Mr. w———,’’ said Hattie, quietly. ‘“But before I do so I would ask your opinion about this affair?” ‘Really, Miss Hattie, I consider it one of the most brilliant chances of your young life. You are too iy well educated, too talented, and, believe me, I say it eee not in flattery, too beautiful, to drudge your life oe eae away in a book-bindery, when you can ornament aoe the highest circles of society. If you ask it as ad- ome vice, I would say accept this proposition, for it would Meee not have been made by Mr. Legare without he knew ‘ it would prove a happiness to his often sad-hearted sister-in-law. She is now visiting at his house, and to-morrow an interview between you would soon show how you would like her.”’ 3 a “She might not like me,” said Hattie, with a ae smile. ais ‘How could she help it?”? said Mr. W——, impul- sively. 3 “There will be no need for her to try,’ said Hat- tie, gently but firmly. “Gratefully, but positively, I must decline the tempting offer. I am content, Mr. w—, to continue in my present condition in your bindery. Miss Scrimp here makes it as pleasant as ae possible for her boarders, and in receiving. your es visit to-night has broken over one of her strictest a '_ rules—never to permit the visits of gentlemen to © Sy s the house.”’ 2 ; gis : w “ PS V4 / 7 f, oF ta he > if - ‘ft or ye ae . jr 5 * Ay a ' {Wee ye ped i A YT 4 *ECy & 7 4 ' > poe vie > ’ ad ‘ ae oe) wx : 4 *,. “ei? - mn a aad 8 ied a Nae ees 2d , yl ye oa ae eid © Pe te ohn 7) geen y ‘> ‘ af . Ad " ] oat be s~ BAG “for which I thank her in sincerity,’’ said Mr. Ww——, bowing gracefully to the old maid. “Ts your decision final: Must I take that answer back to Mr. Legare?”’ he continued, addressing Hat- tie, and not noticing the simpering smile with which Miss Scrimp received his thanks. _—s * Yes, Mr. W——. Iam at least independent now,