A Heart's Bitterness — page 260: what you’re looking at

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

- 202 A HEART’S BITTERNKSS. — CHAPTER LVII. ‘Tl WANT MY PROMISED BRIDE.” - On that glorious morning of the parting summer, while Norman Leigh hurried to his doom, Violet was in the nur- sery, seated by the porcelain tub wherein Magery was giv- ing that laughing cherub, Rupert, his daily bath. Admir- ing the health and enjoyment of the child, Violet forgot her troubles, and while the subdued sadness never left her eyes, the dimples returned to-her cheeks, and smiles curved her lovely mouth, answering to the shouting mirth of the babe. Lo Violet, Rupert seemed the most lovely thing on earth, and when the child was dressed she had Jenny go with her and carry him to Lord Leigh’s dressing-room. Not finding Norman there, she went to the library and the billiard- room. ‘They were alike empty. ‘The bell pealed for break- fast, and, after waiting for a while, Violet breakfasted alone. _An’undefined dread and uneasiness hung over her, and as the morning hours passed she sent Kate to make inquiries, and found that one of the gardeners had seen Lord Leigh walking early on the terrace, and had sent to him a lad who came with a note. “* He has been called off by the steward,” thought Violet. But when lunch-time came, and no Lord Leigh, old Adam, sharing his lady’s disturbance, tottered off to ‘‘ The Harl’s Folly” to seek his master. The little building was empty. ‘There was no trace of Lord Leigh there. Luncheon had been over for an hour when Mr. Storms arrived. Violet met him, saying: “Lord Leigh went out before breakfast, and has not yet returned.” : ‘‘He appointed this afternoon, at three, for a consulta- - tion with me. I sent him a telegram yesterday that I should be here promptly, as I have little spare time. He wished me to draw up his will.” ‘<What is that for?” asked Violet, uneasily. ‘Is he ill?” (€(0) Gomichbooks