Mrs. Bob: A Novel — page 123: what you’re looking at

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

SENATOR JOHN'S SECRET. 115 Bob meets Monsieur Merle before supper—he ex- pects to, and has Senator John at his side, so that the colversatioa cannot become very personal. The Frenchman shows impatience—his very luok, as he fastens it on Bob, is an inte1rogation point. — At length he can restrain his feelings no longer, but bursts out with: ‘‘Ze twenty-first day of October was beautiful. If I was about to take to myself a wife zat 1z ze time I would select for ze wedding.”’ ‘‘Indeed !’’ remarks Senator John, looking at Bob. ‘“What do you think, Pemberton ?’’ ‘‘T have the same idea myself—if ever I marry this is the day I shall select,’’ responds the other, gravely. ‘It seems to me that I can even smell ze orange blossoms in ze air—zat some one shall invite us toa leetle ceremony this very night. I am most sure such will be ze case. What sall we say, Monsieur John? We do not want zat to find us unprepared, Jarbleu /”? His humor is irresistible, especially since Bob is feeling very happy on this, his bridal eve. He bursts into a quiet laugh. ‘‘Merle, you’re a sly dog—bound to get an answer out of me, ain’t you? Well, I'll tell you the truth —you are invited to a little ceremony.’’ ‘“When ?’’ snaps the other. ‘“To-nig ht. ”’ ‘‘Zen ze game is won!’’ exclaims Merle. ‘‘T reckon,’’ replies Bob, dryly, and his words have more meaning than appears on the surface, although the other does not see it. Senator John, fearing lest questions may follow CONNIE OOOKS (c©) A