I Forbid the Banns! — page 351: what you’re looking at

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

ON THE PLUNGE. 341 “You are dangerous—terribly dangerous!” she whis- pered again. ‘I should so much like an ice.” She put her hand on his arm and he led her down among the palms—there are more palms in London during the season than may be found in the densest of African forests —among the palms, and the faint lights, and the soft sounds of the Green Scandinavians, and provided her with the ice for which she was longing. He himself inquired for a brandy and soda. He seated himself beside her on the low divan, that seemed nothing but a confused mass of satin cushions, and talked to her in whispers. While he sat there a man passed by the nook apparently without noticing him, and went up the staircase. He knew the figure of Sir Ecroyd Fairleigh. Another man appeared, and glared through the palm leaves. He was avery young man and had the reputation for being the most comforting of all the ill-treated lady’s comforters. ‘Come in,” said Charlton; ‘“‘there’s lots of room for everybody here. I am only an understudy.” “Come in, if you are a good boy,” said the ill-treated lady. ‘Iam not sure that you area good boy. I don't like that look of yours. It verges on the sulky.” “T’ye been looking for you,” said the youth. ‘You might have remained upstairs for a bit, I think.” “Go away—go away,” said the lady. “Iwon't have any sulky boys near me.” “The understudy gracefully yields to the principal,” said Julian, rising. “What, you are going?” said the lady. ‘I don’t think this is kind, just as you were getting interesting, too. I never found you an interesting person before, Mr, Charlton.” “ Alas,” said he. “Alas! If I do not go now, I may not be—never mind! Flight sometimes shows more bravery than fight.” (C(O) CONMNIELOOKS