A Detached Pirate; The Romance of Gay Vandeleur

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1903. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... XVIII Vermont Hotel, New York. My dear Vera, -- WHO do you suppose followed us here ? Appassionate furioso. We have treated him with scorn and indifference, but he wanders round us with offerings of flowers, and gazes at me like a hungry little dog looking for a lost buried treasure bone. He sought a solitary interview with me. It is always well to listen to one's lovers and one's enemies. I may as well know the next card he intends to play. He begged, he besought me to marry him. Vera, he cried -- he really did. I was kind to him, but I told him the truth -- that I meant to marry Sir Anthony; and I said, You must forget me. He glared at me, and then ran away, literally ran. There will be trouble yet. To-day I had a letter from Colonel Gore. I was rather anxious to see what he would call me -- Dear what? But there was no beginning, no dear, only these lines: Be sure you do not forget your promise; and he ended, with best wishes, Yours sincerely, R. H. Gore. With best wishes! That sounds like a Christmas card. What does he mean? I met Howard Morgan in the hall today. He said he had come to New York to hear a little music and go to a few operas. He invited Phil and me to dine with him, and go to hear Lohengrin, but I refused. I will not pretend to be civil to him, though I know that I shall spoil the game by declaring war so soon. He is only muzzled after all, and a cur can growl through a muzzle. I have just had a letter from appassionate furioso, asking me to allow him to call to say Good-bye. I wish it were. I feel happy when I believe it, but fear grips my soul when I think; I know he has some trump card he means to play. I dressed myself in scarlet; I would face him bravely. Mrs. L'Esterre went out with Pringle to give me the sitting-room...