In Sight of St. Paul's — page 204: what you’re looking at

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

THE PANTHER’S BIRTHDAY. 199 tols from the box and examining them, ‘‘and none more dangerous than myself.’’ She replaced the weapons and laid the box upon the table with the other presents. Then she faced the donor. Her lips were smiling, but there was a dangerous gleam in the depths of her dark eyes. ‘“Thanks for your present, Beatrice,’’ she said, without a tremor in her voice to betray her real feel- ings. ‘‘As you say, I have many enemies, especially among my friends. It’s always well to be prepared.’’ Beatrice flushed, and her quick temper would probably have betrayed her into making some ill- advised retort, had not a bevy of women just at that moment, come merrily forward. ‘“‘“And now Beatrice is here,’’ cried the yellow- haired girl, ‘‘we can drink your health. She’s kept us thirsty long enough.’’ Cynthia made a sign to the servants, and soon every one present was furnished with a glass of the golden, sparkling liquid. ‘‘Come, Beatrice, propose her health.’’ “‘T don’t mind,’’ replied Beatrice, good-humoredly, her momentary irritation vanished. Raising her glass high in air, she continued, in a ringing voice: ‘‘Fere’s to the health and fortune of our friend! Call her what you like, my dears—Cynthia! Aspasia! Panther! Call her as you love her best! All must do her homage. his is her palace, she is on her throne, Gcomicbooks (E(0)