The Man in Possession — page 125: what you’re looking at

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

120 THE MAN IN POSSESSION. ~ believe is the subject of discussion), blame the straight nose and the unartificial complexion? No man would be so ungrateful.” ‘You will never be serious,” said Kate, laughing. ‘‘But I assure you I mean what I say.” ‘‘And so doI,” Tom answered with sudden gravity, ‘‘And if I could express half my gratitude for the sight of one piece of nature’s handiwork—but no—life wouldn't be long enough.” With this ambiguous speech he announced that rehearsal was over and that his duties as master of the ceremonies called him away. Kate sat there alone for some time longer, her cheek resting on her hand, her eyes dreamy and absorbed. ‘‘T wish I knew what he meant—what he thinks,” she said petulantly ; ‘‘one moment he seems to be laughing at one, and thenext he is profoundly serious. He is the strangest young man I ever met. I think he could influence people. I think, too, he could be a popular leader, there is so much quiet power about him—and so much common sense.” Then she rose and went quietly away to her own room to rest for the fatigues of the evening. 3 OMG OOO <Sii C(O)