Octavia's Pride; or, The Missing Witness — page 212: what you’re looking at

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

ety wanda sag cot 4 ee : ; ago ss ; a Pee N53 ‘ 4 202 . OCTAVIA’S PRIDE. hold his bargain with a sick woman, but must deal with the Earl of Chichester himself. You empower me to act for She was silent, a moment. ‘“Of course-you must. Is not the affair mine rather than yours, except for your unfortunate attachment to Morley?” he repeated, a little impatiently. “T should like to see the man myself, Philip, if Iam able, but I will give him to understand that you are to settle the affair.” “It is suicidal for you to submit yoursalt to so much ex- citement, Mary.” ‘“Do you think it is any easier to stay in this room, and know that you are with him?” she added, mournfully. ““We must get those papers, Philip, let their price be what they may, and I ask it as my right that Meh give them to me before you examine them yourself.” “They must be promptly burnt; I will have no more dal- lying. ThenI understand I am to allow this Mathew Merle to come here, on the day and hour he has set?” Yes. If lam able, I shall receive him. Ishall mention to Ronald that I expect such a person on business, and there will be no comment. When is the hour?” ‘At four, the day after to-morrow. ‘l'ake my advice, Mary, and spare yourself such a trying interview. Il admit that is disturbs me to think of it—you, Lady Mary Falkner, lowering yourself to parley with this low-born wretch.” A bitter, bitter smile:crossed Lady Mary’s white face. ‘* Alack, Philip, my self-love can receive no wound from such a source, nor my pride be in any way lowered. Per- haps because it already lies so low, so low,” she repeated, drearily. ee He lookeu at her a mnoment sloomily, almost indignantly; but a tender compassion stole over him as she closed her eyes wearily. How white and wan it was, how full of lines ‘ " Se a oe? = cate 7 A v4 ei sits @ Eee . Ue ae ny Ae f i