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Reade, Charles, 1814-1884

"A Woman-Hater"

"
And still she kept her face covered with her hands. Fanny was anything
but surprised at this conclusion of the struggle. She said, with a
certain alacrity, "Very well, I will: so now bathe your eyes and come in
to supper."
"No, no; please go and make an excuse for me."
"I shall do nothing of the kind. I won't be told by-and-by I have done
wrong. I will do your business, but it shall be in your hearing. Then you
can interfere, if you choose. Only you had better not put your word in
till you see what I am driving at."
With a little more encouragement, Zoe was prevailed on to sponge her
tearful eyes and compose herself, and join Harrington at supper.
Miss Maitland soon retired, pleading fatigue and packing; and she had not
been gone long, when Fanny gave her friend a glance and began upon
Harrington.
"You are very fond of Mr. Severne, are you not?" said she.
"I am," said Vizard, stoutly, preparing for battle. "You are not,
perhaps."
Fanny laughed at this prompt pugnacity. "Oh, yes, I am," said she;
"devoted. But he has a weakness, you must own. He is rather fond of
gambling."
"He is, I am sorry to say. It is his one fault.


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