The Man in Possession — page 160: what you’re looking at

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

THE MAN IN POSSESSION. 155 part of the feminine guests to ‘‘ Boycott” her altogether. Conversation was carried on in spasms or in low tones amongst themselves, and spiced with hints and innuendoes that she could not help hearing. It is surprising to note how very impolite polite society can be—sometimes. When breakfast was over they all dispersed, and Kate took herself off to the conservatories to forget her woes and console her senses. The warmth and fragrance and beauty scattered around in such lavish profusion delighted her eyes and taste. She wan- dered on and on among palms and roses, and delicate- hued orchids, and fragrant plants, feeling soothed and comforted as she never felt in the society of the men and women who were supposed to be making Croft enjoyable. ‘‘It is really miserable here,” the girl exclaimed suddenly. ‘‘I can’t stand it any longer. I shall tell papa he must take me away. Even Biddy and Elton Street are preferable to this house and these people!” ‘“‘I—I’m awfully sorry to hear you say so. By Jove, I am,” said a familiar voice, and Sir Wilfred ap- peared suddenly at a side door opening into the palm- house. ‘‘ I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” he continued. ‘‘I wanted to tell you—to say how sorry I am for last night. Couldn't sleep a wink, ’pon my honour, thinking of it, and of what a confounded ass I madeofmyself. The Matercut upawfully rough too. Said I was a disgrace, and no decent gal would look at me—and upon my word I believe she’s right. But do say you'll forgive me, Miss O’Brien, and, I promise you, I'll not offend again. [Ill try and 99 COMicloe (Sri C(O)