Lady Gwendoline; A Novel (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902. Excerpt: ... THE LAST At the Westmoreland Hotel Verena succeeded in securing a small suite of three rooms, the presence of the child necessitating a private sitting-room. Whilst Gwendoline put the baby again into bed, her cousin sat down to write a few lines to Howard, and the letter was posted before she slept. Gwendoline scarcely closed her eyes that night. She perceived that whilst she had chosen the better path, it must necessarily be full of thorns. Having decided concerning her own way, she was determined not to prove a hindrance to Verena, and shortly after Howard's arrival at eleven o'clock the next morning, she interrupted their tete-a-tete. "I know you are talking about me," she cried, "so you need not attempt to expostulate. You think I am going to upset all your plans, but I assure you that is an immense mistake." "Oh, well," said Howard, "I shouldn't like Verena to leave you in the lurch, you know." "I understand perfectly," was the answer. "But you may make up your mind that she is going with you to Calcutta." "But--but what will become of you, Gwen?" "I hope it isn't too late to secure the engagement at the ' York, ' " said Gwendoline. "Well, you know," answered Howard, "it's the most awful" "You have been there?" interrupted Gwendoline. "Yes, but I shouldn't like Verena to go." "Verena is going with you to India," Gwendoline insisted, "so you will be able to look after her. I shall look after myself. I mean it," she added, with a serious face, "and if she attempts to stay behind, I shall be driven to do something desperate. So that is settled. Now," said Gwendoline, "has Verena told you that I want to send you to Grandison Street for some boxes?" "Is Howard to give our address?" asked Verena. "Oh yes--why not?" "It will entail a visit from--from Lord Ar...