Geoffrey's Victory by Mrs Georgie Sheldon — page 26: what you’re looking at

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

22 | THE LITTLE STRANGER ADOPTED. pect the truth, and then she will demand to be told her history. I must have it in my power to tell her that no story of shame, no stain, was attached to her birth.” The gentleman’s tone was firm but courteous, and the proud woman before him realized a pride as deep-seated as her own, and that she had no common character to deal with. He had a perfect right to ask her these questions, she knew, and she was bound to answer them in all sincer- ity. The anger died out of her eyes; the color left her face, and there was more humility in her manner than she had. before displayed, as she rpolted : “Mr. Damon, [assure you that you need never fear even a breath against the fair fame or parentage of my child. I was legally married to a noble, high-minded gentleman, on the 15th of last March, although the cere- mony was not performed in this country. More I cannot tell you regarding my private history. Asto the little one’s constitution, she inherits no taint of disease or m2ntal trouble that [am aware of. I have always en- joyed vigorous health, as my physique at the present time ought to prove to you. “T know,” she continued, after a moment of thoughtful silence, “that the giving away of my ehild, when to all appearance there is no necessity for such an unusual act, appears like a monstrous proceeding; but I am _ go situated that I cannot help myself; the need is impera- tive—a relentless fate compels me to the unnatural aet. I ean tell you nothing more; if you see fit to adopt the babe, after hearing this, well and good; if not. I must reply to some other application, and make other ar- rangements for her.” “T am satisfied with what you have told me, and the child shall come to us. Alice, she is vours if you so wish,” said the young husband, turning with a fond smile to his fair wife. “T do wish it, August. T could not give her up now. See! how content she is!” and the sweet woman looked lovingly down at the little face lying so peacefully upon her bosom. “Vou are willing to make the gift a legal one. I sup- pose,” said Mr. Damon, turning again to Mrs. Marston, who, with alook of intense relief upon her face, was closely watching the young couple. LE you mean by that that I will sign papers to ratify comicaooalk