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Reade, Charles, 1814-1884

"A Woman-Hater"

"
"Fanny, you are older than me, and ever so much cleverer. Tell me, or you
are not my friend."
"Wait till you get home, then. Here he is."
Vizard told them he had been through all the rooms; the only chance now
was the dining-room. "No," said Fanny, "we wish to get home; we are
rather tired."
They went to the rail, and at first Vizard was rather talkative, making
his comments on the players; but the ladies were taciturn, and brought
him to a stand. "Ah," thought he, "nothing interests them now; Adonis is
not here." So he retired within himself.
When they reached the Russie, he ordered a _petit souper_ in an hour, and
invited the ladies. Meantime they retired--Miss Maitland to her room, and
Fanny, with Zoe, to hers. By this time Miss Dover had lost her alacrity,
and would, I verily believe, have shunned a _te'te-'a-te'te_ if she
could; but there was a slight paleness in Zoe's cheek, and a compression
of the lips, which told her plainly that young lady meant to have it out
with her. They both knew so well what was coming, that Zoe merely waved
her to a chair and leaned herself against the bed, and said, "Now,
Fanny." So Fanny was brought to bay.


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