A Struggle for a Ring — page 59: what you’re looking at

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

A SHOCKED HUSBAND. 55 very pleasant one it is, my dear. You hurt me when you speak as though you had not always been a lady.” ‘‘But, Vivian,” she persisted, ‘‘it is true. JI am sorry. you do not like to hear it, but I must repeat that it is true. ‘You will find out that I have not the manner or fashion of the ladies of your class; but I am willing to learn. I shall remember everything you tell me, and when I have a chance of seeing ladies—really well-bred, elegant, charm- ing women—lI shall imitate them.” ‘“Nay,” he cried, brusquely, ‘‘for Heaven's sake do not do that. Of all things in the world, one woman carica- turing another is the most terrible. Forgive my hasty speaking, Ailie, always be natural—an assumed manner is almost always a vulgar one. I really thought,” he con- tinued, in a plaintive tone, ‘‘that all girls, except, perhaps, in the very lowest ranks of life, were ladies by nature.” ‘*T wish they were,” said Ailie, sadly. ‘‘I am afraid that ‘ But Lord Carsdale interrupted her. “You need not fear anything, Ailie; you will do very well; you are as beautiful as an angel, or an houri, which- ever you like; beauties can afford to be eccentric. We will make one compact—if ever I see you doing anything, or hear you say anything not strictly proper, you will let me tell you of it?” b ‘‘J shall be grateful to you,” she said, simply; ‘‘I shall take a pride and pleasure in trying to please you. I will pay the greatest attention to everything you say to me.” That was very pleasant, and he felt a certain sense of proud satisfaction in her implicit obedience, at the same time he felt a jarring sense of inequality. Not a lady! Great Heaven! what would his mother, -» (e(@) m (oy payicel exeKo) <5