Moths by Ouida — page 77: what you’re looking at

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

\ for; but then they do not care for what I love—the gardens, the woods, the sea, the dogs.” She drew Loris close as she spoke, and rose to go. She did not wish to be with her host. But Zouroff paced by her side. ‘“Loris pleases you? Will you give him the happiness of being called yours?” 7 Vere for once raised a bright and grateful face to him, a flush of pleasure drying her tears. . ' ; Mine? Loris? Oh, that would be delightful!—if mamma will et me. ** Your mother will let you,” said Zouroff, with an odd smile. * Loris is a fortunate beast, to have power to win your fancy,” “ But I like all dogs——” : ** And no men?” “1 do not think about them.” Tt was the simple truth. ‘¢] wish I were a dog!” said Sergius Zouroff. Vere laughed for a moment,—a child’s sudden laugh at a droll idea; then her brows contracted a little. “** Dogs do not flatter-me,” she said, curtly. ‘Nor do I,—foi @honneur! But, tell me, ‘is it realy the fact that cruel Lady Dolly made you weep? In my house too! I am very angry. 1 wish to make it Felicite to you beyond any other of my guests.” ‘‘Mamma was no doubt right, monsieur,” said Vere, coldly. *« She said that I do not like people, and I do not.” ““ Dame! you have very excelient taste, then,” said Zouroff, MOTHS. 73 witha laugh. *‘I will not quarrel with your coldness, Mademge ° iselle Vera, if you will only make an exception for me.” Vere was silent. Zouroft’s eyes grew impatient and fiery. ** Will you not even like me a little for Loris’ sake?’ | Vere stood stillin the rose-path, and looked at him with seri- ous serene eyes. ‘Tt was kind of you to give me Loris, that I know, andI am grateful for that; but I will not tell you what is false, monsieur; it would be a very bad return.” ‘* God in heaven! is she the wiliest coquette by instinct, or only the strangest child that ever breathed?” thought Zouroff, as hesaid ~ aloud, ‘‘ Why do younot like me, mon enfant?” Vere hesitated a moment, | “I do notthink you area good man.” _ bn ‘¢ And why am I so unfortunate as to give you that opinion of me?” ‘‘ Tt is the way you talk; and you kicked Loris one day last week,” Sergius Zouroff laughed aloud, but he swore a heavy oath un- der his breath. ‘¢Your name in Russian means Truth. You are well named, — Mademoiselle Vere,” he said, carelessly, as he continued to walk by herside. ‘‘ But I shallhope tomake you think better things of me yet, and I can never kick Loris again, as he is now yours, without your permission.” | comicboo *' a 7% ay 2S - =) ; et + ¢ * => oo. Pty on : wee. wa ¥ =~ ~ © . 2 + : ‘ee 7 = : ° = Ne “ i (ee 7 4 D ind . a a - “Se. - < -