A Heart's Bitterness — page 282: what you’re looking at

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

274 : A HEART’S BITTERNESS. Mr. Storms for her sole attendant. She went, intent on rescuing from dishonor the name she wore so sadly. Henry Ainslie was nearly dumb with amazement when his niece came to his counting-room and begged for a pri- vate interview. ‘‘Dear uncle,” said Violet, taking his hand, when they were alone, and laying ker cheek against his shoulder, ‘I come to you for help and advice; and first, you must prom- ise never to tell what I shall say to you to-day.” ‘“T may need to,” said Mr. Ainslie, doubtfully. ‘But you will not, and must never, never. I confide only in you. Will you promise?” *« Yes,” said Uncle Ainslie, much flattered. And the little countess told her story. ‘““Do you mean to say he has devastated the immense sum he got with you at your marriage?” cried the banker. ‘‘That went to pay debts—he married me for that,” said poor Violet. « And got through with about as much more. How long is it since you were married, Violet?” ‘<* A little over three years,” faltered Violet. ‘* Heavens and earth!” cried the scandalized financier, ‘(if he had lived three years longer, you would all have been beggars.” Violet laid he hand on his lips. ‘“Uncle, I come, not to condemn him, but to save his reputation.” | ‘< And how do you propose to do it?” Violet told her plan, and had Mr. Storms explain the business part thereof. , ‘You will make this loan in my behalf, uncle.” ‘‘ And you really mean to keep out of society, and econ- omize year after year for this man’s sake?” «‘ And Rupert’s, you know,” said Violet, gently. ‘‘ Buried alive at Leigh Towers!” | “‘But Lady Burton will bury herself with me.” CHAPTER LAXII. ‘THE SAFE, SWEET MORNING BREAKS, ON LAND AND SEA.” Lite at the Towers sped happily, if quietly. Pleasant friends went and came, The little earl was quite a wonder Eomicbooks (€(0)