The Man in Possession — page 219: what you’re looking at

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

a14 THE MAN IN POSSESSION. The tears rushed into the warm-hearted creature’s eyes. Kate looked up, somewhat annoyed, yet reluctant to spoil Biddy’s gratification. Cornelius, having drunk his cup of tea and fired off his news, left the room somewhat hastily, merely pausing at the door to explain that he would dine at his club, so Biddy need not trouble to prepare anything for him. ‘‘And is it thrue, Miss Kate, darlin’?” exclaimed Biddy, as the door closed. ‘‘ Didn't I say ye’d be winnin’ all the young min’s hearts in that gowlden gown of yours . . . and shure it’s myself wouldn't be surprised to hear they'd all been fightin’ duills and murderin’ one another for ye. And to think all our troubles is over. . . . Ah, the saints be praised. ’Twas the lucky hour whin ye wint to Croft, Miss Kate, honey.” ‘‘T don’t know about that,” said her young mis- tress drearily. ‘‘ And besides, Biddy, I’m not mar- ried—yet.” ‘‘What’s ailin’ ye, Miss Kate? Shure ye don’t look as happy as I'd be expecting ye to look. Aren’t ye fond of the gintleman ?” Kate put down her cup and leant back in the chair, clasping her hands behind her head. ‘*No, Biddy, honestly, I’m not,” she said. ‘‘And if I do marry him I’m sure I shall be very unhappy. But, as things are, something must be done. We're on the very brink of ruin and... well, there’s no other way.” ‘There must be another way, darlin’, if it’s you that are to be made unhappy. Why shouldn't the COMIC DOOKS.G