Bonny Jean, and A Severe Threat — page 253: what you’re looking at

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

246 A SEVERE THREAT. CHAPTER XXXV. A SHATTERED DREAM. Kittie Dexter sat alone in her own chamber at the hotel. In her hand was a letter whose contents had driven all the color from her cheek, and had brought a wild, hunted look into her eyes. Poor Kittie! The letter was from Howard, and in it he told her—striving to soften the blow as best he might, for his heart was full of pity for the girl—told her of the strange events which had so lately occurred ; told her that his wife was still living, and that they were reunited ; and Kittie understood, without any expla- nation, that he had never ceased to love Geraldine. She went down stairs to find Hal, and there discovered that the strange tidings had already preceded her. Mrs. Atherton said nothing; but Hal met her in the door of their pretty parlor, and kissed her pale face without a word. But Kittie understood. ‘‘ Hal,” she said, after a time, ‘‘ would it be convenient for you to leave London soon—at once? I—I want to go—to— Waltham !” ‘“This minute if you wish, Kittie,” he answered; ‘‘ but do you think you are quite equal to the step? Do you think you can meet her—Mrs. Ashleigh—you know ?” Her face grew paler, and the look of suffering deepened in her eyes. “Yes,” she answered, calmly. ‘‘I—I do not begrudge the poor girl her happiness, although it has cost me dear. And Dot can accompany us, if she will. You have spoken to Dot, have you, Hal ?” He nodded. | “*She has promised to be my wife,” he answered. ‘‘And, Kittie, I think—if it would not be unpleasant to you—that we had better have the affair over at once. Would you mind it, Kittie ?” | ‘‘Qh, no,” she returned, quickly. ‘‘I am anxious to see you happy. Let the wedding take place as soon as you can coax Dot to consent. Dear little girl !” And warm-hearted Kittie, choking back her own sorrow, heroically set to work in her task of persuasion, For it re- Gomichooks (ele)