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. 1892 Excerpt: ...aside. He drew forward the blotting-pad preparatory to resuming his letter; and then she did not offer to remove her obnoxious 'specimen' from the desk. He was beginning to feel irritated. 'If you choose to wait, madam, take a seat, ' he said. 'I say take' He turned, questioning her continued silence, and sprang to his feet in dismay. The book-agent's head was lolling on her bosom, and his arm--extended to support her--was only out in time to catch her as she fell. CHAPTER VI. 'Now, ' said Kincaid, when she opened her eyes at length, 'what's the matter with you? No nonsense; I'm a doctor; you mustn't tell lies to me "What's the matter with you?' There are some things a woman cannot say; this was one of them. 'You are very exhausted?' 'Oh, ' she said weakly, 'I--just a little.' 'When had you food last?' She gave no answer. He scrutinized her persistently, noting her hesitation, and shot his next question straight at the mark. 'Are you hungry?' The eyes closed again, and her lips quivered. 'Boor ' he exclaimed to himself, 'she's starving, and you wouldn't buy her book Beast she's starving, and you tried to turn her out ' But his sympathy was hardly communicated by his voice; indeed, in her shame she thought him rather rough. 'You stop here a minute, ' he continued; 'don't you go and faint again, because I forbid it. I'm going to order a prescription for you. Your complaint isn't incurable; I've had it myself ' He left her in quest of the housekeeper, a flustered little body whom he unearthed in the basement, and whom he interrogated on the subject of eggs and coffee. 'Have you got anybody you can send out for some?' he demanded. 'Hot coffee, mind you--no slops. There's a place close by; is there anybody here who can run?' She admitted feebly to the existe...