A Daughter of Delilah — page 51: what you’re looking at

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

42 “LOVE THAT HATH US IN THE NET!” There was a smile upon her lips, but it slowly died away as she whispered: ‘ ‘And you will take me to Isabel soon, will you not? Oh, Edgar, you do not know how anxious I am to see the woman who has the making of my only brother—for good or evil. And is it not right that I should know her—should know one who may one day be my sister?”’ ‘What stuff you talk!’’ Edgar said, pettishly. ‘‘Though the last drop of my heart’s blood belongs to Isabel, I know not whether she returns my affection yet! Do you know, Minnie,’’ he went on, huskily, ‘‘if I lost her I should lose my reason? I should gomad! You spoke truly when you said that she had the making of me, for good or evil. Tell me if you can understand such love as this?”’ ‘*No,’’ shuddered his sister; ‘‘I cannot! It is not love, it is frenzy. Under such influences as these, men are ready to commit almost any crime!’’ ‘“‘T believe you,’’ he replied, moodily. ‘‘If Isabel told me to commit murder, I believe that I should do it!” Then he laughed in a constrained manner, adding: “What nonsense we are talking! And how serious you have grown!”’ ) His sister did not reply, but when he was gone she penned the following note to Edward Hawley: ~ DEAR Mr. HAWLEY:—I wish to consult with you upon a very important matter concerning Edgar. He often de- clares that you are the only real friend he has in the world, and I know not to whom else Iecan turn in my present difficulty. Please treat this with confidence. shall be at home any afternoon this week, between two and four o’clock. : ‘Sincerely yours, ‘“MINNIE ALSTON. ”? EoOmMmIichbooks (E)