A Heart's Bitterness — page 187: what you’re looking at

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

A HEART’S BITTERNESS. © | 179 ‘“ Yes; but on your part, you should have told her more. You destroyed the power of your prohibition when you pre- tended that Helen Hope was a stranger. You are yourself largely to blame for her further influence.” ‘* But what am I to do with a wife who deceives and dis- obeys me?” cried Leigh, furiously. | _ **She never meant to deceive you. And you may besure that, in future, she will strive her best to please you. She has tried, but have you encouraged her by any response, Norman?” | ‘“No, I have not. Iam compelled to tell the truth when you say ‘ Norman’ in that way, Edna.” ‘‘ Well, then, be now all that you ought to be to her.” Leigh saw that Edna was resolute. If Violet came back, he might further entangle her in some wild action or ad- mission. He looked down, and said, sulkily: “Then let her come back to her home, if she wishes, and I will inquire into the matter later.” “That is not enough,” said Edna, with engaging sweet- ness, laying her fair hand on his arm. © *‘ You will go at once to bring her back; go to be kind, consoling, good; and merely accept what she explains, and give her no further trouble about what is already an unutterable ain.” ‘‘Pll never do it in the world!” cried Leigh, hotly. I vow #4 But Edna laid her slender fingers upon his lips. ‘* Vow nothing. Hush!—hear me, Norman. Good and happy days are in store for you and Violet. She is to have a little child, Norman. Think how happy you will both be then. ‘Think how you have wished for an heir of Leigh! And now, in all your treatment of your wife, will you do one thing, speak one word, that will injure the child you hope for, or one day cause it shame or sorrow?” and Hdna turned away, her face mantled with lovely blushes. Leigh sprang to his feet.. He had longed much for a son. Was it possible that Leigh should have an heir? He de- manded; «‘Hdna, what do you say? Is this true? And still she dared go away?” : | ‘‘She did not know—not until she reached Magery Rogers, Adam’s sister—and now Violet is so grieved-and penitent for her hastiness. Say, Norman.” She rose, ecomicbooks if - ll See Me ee Se Pe - » ey v > vs