Thrice Wedded, but Only Once a Wife — page 75: what you’re looking at

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

2 Tom WepiD. Dor a—-etepped softly out upon the balcony, and stood beside his fair hostess. She was weeping, and did not notice him until he laid his hand gently upon his smooth, bare arm, and said, in a sym- pathizing tone: ‘Why do you weep, Miss Dupont: a With a start of affright and a haughty gesture, he moved away from him, for his familiar touch angered her. Hastily wiping her eyes, she said, coldly: Really, Mr. Moulton, I don’t know as | can explain to you my feelings. Sadness, I presume, is one cause of my tears.” “And what could possibly render Miss Dupont sad? Me- thought her life was as fair and bright as earth’s choicest gifts could make it,” he said, with a voice which he tried to _ make tender. ‘If you please,” she replied, ‘‘we will not discuss that subject now, Mr. Moulton.” She turned abro ptly to leave the balcony, for she deemed — him rude to intrude himself upon her when she was strug- gling with her sad feelings. He quickly caught her hand, detaining her, while he ex- claimed: - *Stay, Miss Dupont; do not leave me so, for I have some- thing to say to you.’ ‘TY am listening,” she replied coldly. “But pray, Mr. Moulton, be good enough to release my hand.” He did not release it, but drew it within his arm, and then led her to one end of the balcony. ‘‘Miss Dupont—Dora, I love you; will you be my wife?” _*No, sir,” she answered, sharply, He started violently; then said, reproachfully: “Tt beg your pardon; did I understand you aright! ee “I beg your pardon, Mr. Moulton, for allowing myself to speak in such a manner,” she replied, wearily. Her heart had been almost broken with the scene that had just transpired, and she did not feel equal to another. ac] have not been feeling very happy for a few moments past, she went on; ‘‘but I am pained at a declaration, for I cannot return your affection.” ‘‘Miss Dupont, you must not say that,” he returned, almost fiercely, ‘‘for my happiness—nay, my life depends upon your love.” | | ys 3 ~ | > <——_=* ¢ aa comicbooks. = ~. - . 7 . : ~ Sg Se « 4 ~ > = = < 7 ang = — ee ee : ‘ <7 Ss