Mr. Meeson's Will by H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard
page 54 of 235 (22%)
page 54 of 235 (22%)
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"John, my dear!" said Lady Holmhurst, "I want to introduce you to Miss
Smithers--_the_ Miss Smithers whom we have all been talking about, and whose book you have been reading. Miss Smithers, my husband!" Lord Holmhurst, who, when he was not deep in the affairs of State, had a considerable eye for a pretty girl--and what man worthy of the name has not?--bowed most politely, and was proceeding to tell Augusta, in very charming language, how delighted he was to make her acquaintance, when Mr. Meeson arrived on the scene and perceived Augusta for the first time. Quite taken aback at finding her, apparently, upon the very best of terms with people of such quality, he hesitated to consider what course to adopt; whereon Lady Holmhurst in a somewhat formal way, for she was not very fond of Mr. Meeson, mistaking his hesitation, went on to introduce him. Thereupon, all in a moment, as we do sometimes take such resolutions, Augusta came to a determination. She would have nothing more to do with Mr. Meeson--she would repudiate him then and there, come what would of it. So, as he advanced upon her with outstretched hand, she drew herself up, and in a cold and determined voice said, "I already know Mr. Meeson, Lady Holmhurst; and I do not wish to have anything more to do with him. Mr. Meeson has not behaved well to me." "'Pon my word," murmured Lord Holmhurst to himself, "I don't wonder she has had enough of him. Sensible young woman, that!" Lady Holmhurst looked a little astonished and a little amused. Suddenly, however, a light broke upon her. "Oh! I see," she said. "I suppose that Mr. Meeson published 'Jemima's |
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