The Illegal Marriage — page 23: what you’re looking at

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

THE ILLEGAL. MARRIAGE, 15 negroes, uttering their peculiar wail—as terrible as that of the Greek weepers, while down on the hearth, almost in the ashes, the house-girl crouched like a frightened hare. “Get up, girl,” he said to her; “get some water for your mistress.” At the first touch she rolled over and over into the middle of the floor. “Get up, I say,” he repeated, sharply; and hear- ing a command, the girl sprang to her feet, fright- ened and trembling. “Get some water for Miss Cecy—quick now.” She turned to obey, but in the wrong direction, running violently against the table. Stannard saw that the girl was bewildered, and spoke still more sternly ; but his words had a contrary effect from that intended, for her legs gave way beneath her, and she tumbled upon the floor. “Never mind, girl,” he said, gently, “go back to your corner, but don’t get in the fire.” He stooped to assist her, but with a few hitches she reached the fire-place, rolling up into a ball, and covering her head completely. - Stannard pushed back the coals, and as he rose, a bowl of water was handed him. With it he ran to Miss Morgan’s bedside, and was about to sprinkle the calm, white face before him, when he was stopped by the doctor. “Never mind that now,” he cried; “she’s reviving a little.” Trippe took up a small sponge wet with ammonia, and again patted it under her nostrils. With a short, convulsive. gasp Cecy opened her eyes, a sweet smile passing across her face, then closed them slowly and wearily. Eomiecbooks (E(o)