Lady of the Ice Read Online Free PDF Page B

I find it so.”
    â€œBut, at any rate, what did she say?”
    â€œWhy,” answered Jack, in a more dismal voice than ever, “she said, ‘Ah, Jack!’ — she called me Jack! — ‘Ah, Jack, I saw you looking for me. I knew you would come after me.’”
    â€œGood Heavens!” I cried, “and what did you say?”
    â€œSay? Heavens and earth, man! what could I say? Wasn’t I a gentleman? Wasn’t she a lady? Hadn’t I forced her to commit herself? Didn’t I have to assume the responsibility and pocket the consequences? Say! Oh, Macrorie! what is the use of imagination, if a man will not exercise it?”
    â€œAnd so you’re in for it?” said I, after a pause.
    â€œTo the depth of several miles,” said Jack, relighting his pipe, which in the energy of his narrative had gone out.
    â€œAnd you don’t think of trying to back out?”
    â€œI don’t see my way. Then, again, you must know that I’ve been trying to see if it wouldn’t be the wisest thing for me to make the best of my situation.”
    â€œCertainly it would, if you cannot possibly get out of it.”
    â€œBut, you see, for a fellow like me it may be best not to get out of it. You see, after all, I like her very well. She’s an awfully fine woman — splendid action. I’ve been round there ever so much; we’ve always been deuced thick; and she’s got a kind of way with her that a fellow like me can’t resist. And then, it’s time for me to begin to think of settling down. I’m getting awfully old. I’ll be twenty-three next August. And then, you know, I’m so deuced hard up. I’ve got to the end of my rope, and you are aware that the sheriff is beginning to be familiar with my name. Yes, I think for the credit of the regiment I’d better take the widow. She’s got thirty thousand pounds, at least.”
    â€œAnd a very nice face and figure along with it,” said I, encouragingly.
    â€œThat’s a fact, or else I could never have mistaken her for poor little Louie, and this wouldn’t have happened. But, if it had only been little Louie — well, well; I suppose it must be, and perhaps it’s the best thing.”
    â€œIf it had been Louie,” said I, with new efforts at encouragement, “it wouldn’t have been any better for you.”
    â€œNo; that’s a fact. You see, I was never so much bothered in my life. I don’t mind an ordinary scrape; but I can’t exactly see my way out of this.”
    â€œYou’ll have to break the news to Miss Phillips.”
    â€œAnd that’s not the worst,” said Jack, with a sigh that was like a groan.
    â€œNot the worst? What can be worse than that?”
    â€œMy dear boy, you have not begun to see even the outside of the peculiarly complicated nature of my present situation. There are other circumstances to which all these may be playfully represented as a joke.”
    â€œWell, that is certainly a strong way of putting it.”
    â€œCouldn’t draw it mild — such a situation can only be painted in strong colors. I’ll tell you in general terms what it is. I can’t go into particulars. You know all about my engagement to Miss Phillips. I’m awfully fond of her — give my right hand to win hers, and all that sort of thing, you know. Well, this is going to be hard on her, of course, poor thing! especially as my last letters have been more tender than common. But, old chap, that’s all nothing. There’s another lady in the case!”
    â€œWhat!” I cried, more astonished than ever.
    Jack looked at me earnestly, and said, slowly and solemnly:

Chapter 5 “FACT, MY BOY — IT IS AS I SAY. — THERE ’ S ANOTHER LADY IN THE CASE, AND THIS LAST IS THE WORST SCRAPE OF ALL!”
    â€œ Another lady?” I faltered.
    â€œAnother lady!” said