His Grace — page 189: what you’re looking at

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

HIS GRACE. 183 drew forth a big pocket-handkerchief and blew a re- sounding blast upon her nose. “Not,” she resumed, after a pause, during which she may have had time to reflect upon the imprudence of her language—“ not, mind you, that I amin the least degree afraid of your ducal friend. He is three parts ruined already, and before this time next year he will probably be residing at Boulogne or some such place upon an allowance made to him by his trustees. No; it is nothing to me whether he dances with my niece or with somebody else on the brink of a volcano. You, I am afraid, are likely to suffer when the crash comes ; but that is only what I foresaw and forewarned you of from the outset.” Not being ready with any adequate rejoinder, I fell back and, shortly afterwards, effected my escape. Full well I knew that the crash was coming; perhaps it was a good thing that, in view of its imminence, Nora should be furnished with an unamiable, yet useful and wealthy protectress. (ECO) AAS 100 CS (eo) im