Ivan the Terrible; or, Dark Deeds of Night — page 263: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

IVAN THE is “ He did ; but I always shunned him, I'never spoke to him but twice, and that was when he came with some small order for father to attend to.” ‘‘ Now, tell me,” said the old man, in a very low whisper. “Tf your father were to allow you, could you love this youth Arthur ?” Katerina spoke not; but she blushed, hung her head, and trembled violently. , ** Could you child? would you consent to be his wife. i knew that he loved you?” ae awe There was still no answer; but the old man felt her hand slightly press his own. re smiled in a kind, fatherly way, as he said, to him- self, ““Ttis the will of heaven! it is the will of heaven! and I nave so long endeavoured to thwart it,’ “But this could never be, kind sir,” said Katerina, “he is far away now beyond the seas.” “Ts he? How know you that?” | “My father told meso. He left London very suddenly for foreign parts.” “ How came this to pass ?” “‘T overheard my father tell mother before she died that he thought we liked to see each other, and that he being rich, no good could come of it.” “‘ Anything else ?” “No, sir ; Lonly heard, afterwards, that he had sailed away perhaps never to return.” -“Then I will tell you how all this happened, my child. This Master Arthur you liked so much, was the only son ot a wealthy ; nay, a very wealthy man. Your father knew this, and saw that the youth liked you ; but Roger, like a true man, informed Arthur’s parents of his visits to your father’s shop. Such visits were put a stop to. Roger even refused Arthur admittance to his shop, and sent you away into the country. Do you remember that time ?”’ “T do,” said Katerina, sadly. While you were away, Arthur grew sick, very sick, and—”’ “He did not die! he did not die! Oh! sir, tell me, you know all of this sad story ; but tell me, say he did not die, and I shall be happy.” “ He did not die child ; but——” “T knew it!—I knewit! Every night upon my knees I prayed for him, and heaven sent me a happy dream that he recovered and was well again.” «He did recover truly, child; but, as I was about to say, he was at one time almost at death’s door.” The old man’s voice trembled. Katerina wept. . ‘‘ His stubborn parents would not hear of him paying any attentions to a poor goldsmith’s daughter. They expected better things from him ; nothing but an alliance with a noble house would satisfy the foolish couple.” “And did he marry?” You shall hear. The doctors ordered him abroad ; but his letters proved that he was still unhappy, and so much did his mother take this to heart that it hastened her death. She died.” Katerina listened with open eyes to all the strange old man had said to her. ‘“‘Tt seemed as if all this was but a dream. “ Arthur heard of his mother’s death, and the father per- suaded him to return home. But he would not, save on one condition.” ‘¢ And what was that?” ee “That he might be allowed to marry you, child. ‘‘ But what did his father say? “In order to banish all such foolish thoughts as the gold- smith’s daughter from his son’s mind, he wrote back word that you had died.” : Katerina started up, as if she had been shot. : In a moment she resumed her seat, and listened again. man went on ae heard of your death. He was in Holland, and on the instant he embarked for England, in order to kiss your grave ; but the vessel was——”° TERRIBLE. Lost |” ‘Yes, lost, Katerina, But listen ; he was saved,” “Oh, heaven be thanked !” “ Amen to that sweet prayer.” “And what did he?” : “He hastened to London. - But excitement had so much affected him that he was attacked by fever, and became delerious. “In his ravings he always spoke of you, and also spoke of a foul conspiracy which was on foot to dethrone King James and thrust upon us the Prince of Orange.” Katerina started with surprise. “Did he join it?” she asked, eagerly. “No. It was clear from all he said that several influential Englishmen abroad wished him to do so,” “What an escape !” ‘Tn his sleep he used to mention the names of several who were deep in the plot. His words were taken down by his father, and given to the king, They were watched wherever they went, both night and day; they were tracked to your father’s shop ; a spy was at their heels.” ‘The old man ?” said the girl, in surprise. “Yes ; the very same old man who called on you. father was the first man arrested.” For some moments there was a dead silence ; but Katerina at length said, “ And did Arthur recover ?” “He is better, His father’s consent to a marriage with you, Katerina, was the chief cause of his almost miraculous recovery.” ‘“ Who told you this?” , “‘T know it for a truth, my child ; and here I came, on my own authority, to hear from your own lips whether you really loved Arthur as much as he loved you. Tam satisfied now of the truth.” Katerina blushed deeply, and her bosom heaved with . emotion. Mastering her tumultuous feelings, she said, calmly, ‘And now, sir, let me ask what is Arthur’s proper name ?” “ Singleton, my child.” “Why, that is your own name, sir !” “Tt is. Pardon me, Katerina. Kiss me, my own child ; I am Arthur’s father.” In 2 moment the old alderman and the goldsmith’s daughter were locked fast in each other’s arms, and tears flowed freely from the eyes of both. The soldier looked on im wonder and amazement, 259 Your CHAPTER CXXVI, EARL PERCY IS SENT FOR BY THE KING—THE DOINGS OF THE. SPY. WHEN the Forger who remained with Earl! Percy saw the fate of Morton and his companion, he trembled as he sat in the spring-chair to think of what his own punishment might be. He turned all manner of colours, as the old nobleman paced the room, and groaned half aloud. “Stop that dismal groaning,” said my lord, “you have nought to fear.’’ The Forger did not seem half inclined to believe it, however. ‘Oh, if Lcould only get away out of this d d chair,” he said. “I'd turn over a new leaf and leave the Forge for ever ; I’d become an altered man.” This he said half aloud, although in his excitement, he imagined he was whispering to himself. «Oh, you would, eh ?” said my lord, with a smile. “ Would what, my lord ?”’ “Turn over a new leaf, and become an altered man; as you said.” “Did I say so?” “Of course you did, I heard you.” ‘‘ Such is the truth, my lord.” ‘Then, if you are honest and sincere, I will give you every chance,”’ Commicloooks.Gonn