Roving Jack, The Pirate Hunter — page 255: what you’re looking at

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

ST SL i ee ee ROVING JACK, THE PIRATE HUNTER. 275 eyeing the present, “that these gems are the most brilliant I ever beheld—still my gratitude to Sir Ranulph ought—they’ll be the very thing for my green velvet robe,” “Oh, trifle no longer with me, good woman,” cried the impatient Violet, perplexed by the seeming ‘Indifference of her gaoler. “Tell me at once, do you consent to give me liberty, or——” ““At present I cannot help you,” replied Poll Maggot ; “but since you have been so generous, I will at least prevent your enemy from doing you the great injustice he premeditates ; but I must and will set myself right. I have just thought of a scheme which [ trust to carry out. You shall hear what it is in the morning,” “Why not tell it to me at once ?” 4 No, it would serve no purpose to mention my intention till I'am able to realise it, and I have no doubt you will be surprised when I tell you that——”’ Further conversation was put a stop to by the sound of footsteps. Poll Maggot placed her finger to her lips, and murmured— *“Hush ! Sir Ranulph Gayton is here.” She had scarcely uttered the words, when the in- dividual named made an abrupt entrance into the chamber. He was habited in a riding-dress, and was booted and spurred, and carrying pistols in his belt. He stood in the door-way for an instant, as if to notice the looks of perplexity that betrayed them- selves in the features of the two women who were before him. They trembled beneath his gaze, for, although his demeanour was at all times blunt, and failed to impose respect, yet the energy corresponding to his character impressed, or rather commanded, a feel- ing of awe. Having satisfied himself by a strict scrutiny, as it was supposed, that Violet Tremaine was still in good keeping, he advanced into the room, “You have arrived opportunely, Sir Ranulph Gayton,” said Poll Maggot, recovering her compo- sure, and greeting the baronet with a curtsy. “T rejoice to hearit,” said he ; “ for I had shrewd suspidions that you were plotting against me, and that my company was not desired by either you or your gaol-bird yonder.”’ With the words, Sir Ranulph inclined bis head towards his prisoner. ‘Now only to think,” replied Poll Maggot, “ how we are deceived in opinions which we form on various subjects ; for instance, the lady here whom you supposed so ill-favoured to your suit, has, by my advice, become more compliant to your wishes.” “Indeed,” said Sir Ranulph, with a sinister glance, “I do not doubt, Poll Maggot, the efficacy of your qualifications in love making, but I fancy some odd mistake has arisen in your present venture,” “Nothing of the kind, Sir Ranulph,” rejoined the now somewhat indignant hostess; “you can have no idea of the effect I produced on the lady’s heart when I pointed out your attractions, such as kindly disposition, superiority of birth, good temper and good looks,” “Tam beholden to you, Poll,” said Sir Ranulph, with a grim smile on his lip, which seemed to inti- mate that he was not quite inaccessible to flattery. Having imposed silence on the intrusive at- tendant, who was about to speak further on the matter in hand, he next, by a significant gesture, bid her leave the room for awhile, Poll Maggot did not answer the monition by words, but obeyed it slowly, and with dignity, for she was one of those persons who will not be hurried out of their own pace. Looks were exchanged between the hostess and wile which were thoroughly understood by the atter. Sir Ranulph Gayton and his captive were now alone in the apartment. The baronet dropped the riding mantle in which eS was muffled, and, at the same time, fell on one nee, “ Gentle Violet,” he exclaimed, “you will wel- — come back your bridegroom ?” The lady started back, but recovered herself in an instant, as one who recollected that she had a part of dignity to perform. Sir Ranulph rose and continued speaking as he drew a packet from his vest. “Yes, I shall, ere long, be the happiest of men.” Violet noticed this action on the part of her com- panion, upon whom she kept her looks fixed. After a pause she observed, * You address me in riddles, Sir Ranulph Gayton. Speak plainly that I may rightly hear, and duly understand you.”’ ‘‘In a word, then, you are my wife; for such this par will confirm you soon. Love, you will sign it 2?” ‘“‘ Before I do so,” replied Violet, firmly, “ I must be guided by my conscience; you must allow me at least some days for reflection.” ‘‘Tmpossible! I expect the priest here within the hour to join our hands.” Violet darted a convulsive glance on the speaker, and exclaimed, “ Sir Ranulph Gayton, since you have proceeded to this extremity, further disguise on my part is madness,” “Your determination, then, is——’ “To refuse consent to this impious union, and that my hands shall lay lifeless in their coffin rather than seal the engagement.” The baronet remained silent for a few moments as if struck by the remark, while Violet. continued in a subdued tone, to appeal to him, ‘‘You know, Sir Ranulph Gayton, that I am be- trothed to another, to one you call friend; restore me once again to——”’ “The man who was to wed you,” interrupted the now hot and fiery baronet, “is a beggar, and his” dwelling-place will shortly be a gaol; therefore, when a fool so lightly holds his love and fortune it is time for a wiser hand to seize them both.” With the words, Sir Ranulph Gayton dragged Violet towards the table and again insisted that she should sign the marriage contract which he had placed upon it. “Releasé your grasp, ruffian!” exclaimed the struggling lady, vainly endeavouring to escape from her persecutor. ‘Do you forget,” she continued, “that I ama gentlewoman? You will have to answer gravely for this offence.” “‘ Your threats are in vain,” replied Sir Ranulph, still maintaining a firm hold of Violet’s hand, “‘re- member, if you refuse to ratify this compact, you will become my mistress in place of my wife.” The maiden made no reply to this insult and no longer resisied the party who had offered it. Her stedfast glance fell upon him, and an almost impexceptible smile passed across her features. Slowly advancing, she took up the marriage con- tract Sir Ranulph had alluded to. _ Her eye quivered, and her hand slightly trembled as she scanned the writing on the parchment. Having finished its perusal, she exclaimed, ‘* You bs Oo COnmmicoooks.E©