The Illegal Marriage — page 218: what you’re looking at

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

210 THE ILLEGAL MARRIAGE, “Be quiet,” said Trippe, and Alfred crouched low in the corner. | “My dear, please leave me alone for a few mo- ments—I want to think here in the twilight,” said the doctor to his wife. . “Shall I come in and sit with you? “After a little. Give me a half-hour with my own thoughts. Ill call you presently.” They were alone again, and once more Trippe spoke in an undertone. “Hawks, endurance has ceased to be a virtue with me. For years you have refused to listen to me, or I would have told you where she was. Do you hear me?” Again Alfred whispered in response. “You treated her cruelly, Hawks, or she would never have left you; and you had not the slightest reason so long as she was in your house. I saw her less than a year ago, and she thinks you are dead. “Hawks, I did not undeceive her. For her sake I let her suppose you dead, to keep you from destroy- ing, her present happiness. Had you acted reason- ably with me, I should have told you her story long ago; but you followed me here, and I did not fear you. For any wrong that I have done you, Hawks, I am ready to make reparation; but you have always.been mistaken. To keep you from abusing Mary—from beating her even—do you hear, Hawks? om beating her! she wanted you to think her ead. “You accused me of killing her. Had you shown any signs of relenting, I should have told you where she lived. “Hawks, unless you give me a solemn promise to treat her kindly—a promise which you dare not break, I shall not tell you her name or where she is. “Hail to keep that promise, and I shall have you arrested for attempted murder. For her sake I _ have shielded you thus far—now take your choice.” He paused for a moment and seemed to wait for a response, but Alfred merely moved to show that he was there, not daring to speak. “Another thing, Hawks,” Trippe continued; “I 33 (ele) cComicbooks