The Man in Possession — page 207: what you’re looking at

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

202 THE MAN IN POSSESSION. her schemes, you've only got to encourage the inti- macy. That's all.” Cornelius sipped his wine thoughtfully, and re- flected on what his prospective son-in-law had said. Was he right? or was it mere jealousy that made him speak like this? He was inclined to the latter view of the question. What possible objection could Mrs. Lafaye have to the marriage? Weren’t all Amer- icans mad about titles and ready to worship their owners? Surely Kate as Lady Jocelyn would be a far more lovable acquaintance than plain Miss O'Brien. ‘‘T really think you're mistaken, Jocelyn,” he said, with a candid and impartial air that ought to have been convincing. ‘‘ But I’ll give Kate a hint on the subject. By the way, have you settled anything— definite—as to the happy event yet? ” ‘‘Can’t get a word alone with her... . All that d——d officious chatterbox. ... Awfully hard, don't yer know, when I worship the very ground she walks on. I assure you, O’Brien, I—I never knew it was in me to feel like this for any girl . . . never, ‘pon my honour. I’d do anything she told me—I would indeed.” He was almost tearful in the intensity of his emo- tions. Cornelius pressed his hand in token of sym- pathy. ‘Cheer up, my boy, it'll be all right. When she gets home and settles down quietly again I'll have a talk withher. Naturally a girl who's been so admired and had so many offers as my daughter Kate, must have her head given her for a while. But don't be uneasy. She’s a straight goer, and COMicloe (Sri C(O)