A Struggle for a Ring — page 321: what you’re looking at

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

A WIFE’S STRANGE POSITION. 317 past, and, if he maintained the same reserve, she would know then that some reason, some tangible difficulty, stood between them. ‘‘I will not woo him by sc much as a word,’ said the beautiful woman to herself, ™ I will try if he cares for me; at present I am puzzled, and cannot understand it.” | She was anxious about her dress, not that her beauty depended on it in the least, but she liked to look artistic. Ailie rebelled at first when Lady Ethel came to consult her. Why should she help this woman, whom she knew now to be her rival—why should she help her to win her husband's love? Then she remembered Patient Griselda, and her resolve. ‘«T shall conquer yet by force of patience,” she said. She was very gentle and very kind. She suggested and advised, until between them the loveliest costume of white lace and red roses had been invented. Lady Ethel was charmed, and Ailie had her reward; for one morning Lady Ethel, laughingly, gave Lord Carsdale a description - of her dress, adding: ‘‘T have to thank Miss Derwent for it. I should never have thought of anything one-half so pretty myself.” Then her husband turned to her with a kindly smile. Ailie said to herself that she was more than repaid. CHAPTER XLVIL. A WIFE'S STRANGE POSITION. Lady Ethel Pierpont looked beautiful enough on the | ee evening of the ball to have driven any man to desperation. &, CeCe pallial exeye)