The Illegal Marriage — page 196: what you’re looking at

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

188 THE ILLEGAL MARRIAGE. “Tf I do not,” she would tell herself, “and any harm should come to him, I could never sleep in peace again.” ; And so, strong in her affection for him, the little woman had ruled him sternly in all things pertain- ing to his sickness. When in health, she had never entertained a thought of opposing him, for her whole life was wrapped up in him and the children, and she knew no pleasures in which they had nota art. : Just now she was particularly happy, and sat humming a ballad over her sewing as Stannard entered to inquire for the book. “T’ve never seen it,” she replied to his query. “TI don’t think I know what you mean.” “The doctor says it is in the side-pocket of the coat he had on when he fell.” “Then it must be there still, Colonel Stannard.” “Oh, jewel of wives!” he said, gayly, “do you mean to say that you have gone three weeks with- out searching your husband’s pockets? I can hardly credit it.” “T do mean to say it—but do not think that I have no curiosity. I’m not above that womanly weak- ness—and I am just dying now to find out what you men are doing in there.” “T never tell tales out of school, madam,” he said, laughing; “besides, I make it a rule never to en- courage the failings of womankind.” “And I never search for old coats; besides, do you not see that I am busy?” “Yes, busy tangling your thread, as you have been your brains, about our doings.” “Have I not confessed it? There! you have made me prick my fingers. Well, then, you will find the aA a le coat in the armoir close by my husband’s e he Bowing to her with a smileand a wave of his hand, Stannard went back to the doctor’s room. Before he could search for the book a servant came in with a note. Stannard took it from the boy’s hand and _ hastily broke the seal. <A slip of paper fell upon the floor. s Eomicbooks.¢co |