The Evil Genius: A Domestic Story — page 208: what you’re looking at

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

TE EVIL GENIUS. 197 he had inflicted on the family recurred to his memory. He be- gan to understand Randal’s otherwise unaccountuable silence. ‘i Are you nearly related to Mr. Randal Linley ?” the captain asked. ‘*T am his elder brother.” Ignorant on his part of the family disgrace, Bennydeck heard that reply with amazement. From his point of view it was im- possible to account for Randal’s silence. ‘Will you think me very inquisitive,” Herbert resumed, ‘if I ask whether my brother approves of your marriage ?” There was a change in his tone as he put that question, which warned Bennydeck to be on his guard. ‘‘I have not yet con- sulted my friend’s opinion,” he answered, shortly. Herbert threw off the mask. ‘‘In the meantime, you shall have my opinion,” he said. ‘*‘ Your marriage is a crime, and I mean to prevent it.” The captain left his chair, and sternly faced the man who had spoken those insolent words. ‘* Are you mad?” he asked. Herbert was on the point of declaring himself to have been Catherine’s husband, until the law dissolved their marriage, when a waiter came in and approached him with a message. ** You are wanted immediately, sir.” ‘* Who wants me?’ ‘*A person outside, sir. It’s a serious matter—there is not a moment to lose.” Herbert turned to the captain. ‘‘I must have your promise to wait for me,” he said, ‘‘ or I don’t leave the room.” ‘*Make your mind easy. Ishall not stir from this place till you have explained yourself,” was the firm reply. The servant led the way out. He crossed the passage, and opened the door of a waiting-room. Herbert passed in, and found himself face to face with his divorced wife. CHAPTER. LE: ‘* FORGIVENESS TO THE INJURED DOTH BELONG.”’ WITHOUT one word of explanation Catherine stepped up to him, and spoke first. ‘‘ Answer me this,” she said, ‘‘ have you told Captain Benny- deck who I am?” <NO} The shortest word in the language was all that he could say, in the moment when he first looked at her. She was not thesame woman whom he had last seen at Sandy- seal, returning for her lost book. The agitation produced by that unexpected meeting had turned her pale; the overpowering sense of injury had hardened and aged her face. This time she was prepared to see him, this time she was conscious of a reso- lution that raised her in her own estimation. Her clear blue eyes glittered as she looked at him, the bright color glowed in her cheeks; he was literally dazzled by her beauty. **In the past time which we both remember,” she resumed, CORMMICLO© Ss (C©) im