The Man in Possession — page 321: what you’re looking at

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

316 THE MAN IN POSSESSION. want to marry me, that’s the truth, and I’m not cad enough to force her to do it. There!” Cornelius looked disturbed. ‘‘Do you mean to say that you want to break off the match, now!” he asked wrathfully. ‘‘It is unpardonable, ungentle- manly. I—I can’t permit it.” ‘*' You're not the chief person concerned,” said Sir Wilfred insolently. ‘‘If she agrees, I don’t see what you've got to say in the matter.” ‘* Then, sir, allow me to tell you I’ve a very great deal to say in the matter. You can't trifle with the honour of an Irish gentleman—let me tell you that. Nothing discreditable has ever been said of my daughter, or of me, and " ‘‘Qh, come now, draw it mild,” interrupted the little Baronet. ‘‘Kate I allow is immaculate but you. .. Well, that is a joke don’t you know? Your sentiments may be honourable enough but what about your actions, eh—O’Brien ? ” ‘Sir,’ answered the Irishman loftily. ‘‘The man who questions them has to answer to me for his audacity.” ‘Well, I’m not in exactly fighting trim yet,” said Sir Wilfred. ‘‘But when I am—dashed, if I don’t take you at your word. You've noright to try and sell that lovely girl to—to any fellow who can bid high enough for her. . . I confess I did bid, but I’m not going to pay! That's the straight tip—take it or leave it. She's a million times too good for me, and I’m not going to let her be sacrificed as I said before.” ‘¢ Curse your impudence,” thought Cornelius, glancing furiously at the prostrate little figure. COMICOOOKS.€O