The Illegal Marriage — page 203: what you’re looking at

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

t THE ILLEGAL MARRIAGE (196 Morgan. Stannard, I wish you would stop them for a moment, while [——” Taking advantage of the moment, Crawford whispered: — “I know all; he does not. He was out when the doctor told me.” She looked inexpressibly grateful to him, and ap- preciated his delicacy in relieving her embarrass- ment, which was near betraying her. “There, Stannard, that will do. I only hope you have frightened them out of their voices for a time.” Stannard came back to his seat. “T must tell you, Miss Morgan, that you will have to appear in court to-morrow,” continued Crawford, “and may be subjected to some annoyance. Re- member, however, that you have warm friends in us—ready to protect you, anxious to do you good service.” “T know it, Mr. Crawford; I cannot express my gratitude to you and to—to Colonel Stannard.” “Do not try, please, Miss Moragn; it is a pleasure to serve you.” Stannard could not speak, but looking at her face, he saw her eyes wet with tears, and felt that he could gladly die to serve her. The loving fond- ness of her glance did not escape Crawford’s eyes. “As Iwas saying, you may be annoyed to-morrow, but I hope you may not be long detained. Stan- nard’s evidence will go against you, seemingly, at first; but it will be strongly in your favor when ail the facts are brought to light—and I hope you may be discharged immediately. Keep a good heart, whatever happens, my dear young lady, and rely on us for doing all that can be done.” a “T do not fear, Mr. Crawford; I have never had a fear for the result. The best armor that one can wear is the consciousness of innocence. I never really appreciated this until I was so tried.” “T can only partially agree with you, Miss Mor- gan. To you, I admit, this is perfectly true——” — “But is it not always true, sir?” | “Perhaps not. Toa man who knows the uncer- Eomicbooks (E(0)