Octavia's Pride; or, The Missing Witness — page 219: what you’re looking at

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

OCTAVIA'S PRIDE. ~ 209 that, when my life has so thoroughly established my pres- ent reputation? ‘Take yourself and your papers away.” Mathew Merle had smiled grimly, as he turned toward the haggard face of the countess. ~**Too high a price, is it? Ask her ladyship if it is more than it is worth to secure those papers in her own hand? Why, they are of that value to me, now.” ‘Her ladyship is easily frightened; you are to deal with me,” was the earl’s angry reply. But Lady Mary stretched out her white hands implor- ingly. *‘TLet him come vp with the Papers, Philip; he says they are not here to-day.” ‘“Of course they are not,” sneered Mathew Merle, ‘‘am I a silly boy that I bring them on my person into your house, before the terms are made?” The earl’s haughty spirit chafed fiercely at the man’s insolence of look and tone. He laid his hand on the bell to summon a servant to put the intruder out of the house, but a low, imploring cry from his sister checked him. ‘« Philip,” said she, ‘listen to me in this matter.” “Yes,” said Mathew Merle, coolly, ‘‘ you will be wise to listen to Lady Falkner.” There was an emphasis on the name which made the noble lady wince. ‘“Appoint your own time and place—but let it be _ prompt,” said she, with a gentle dignity, which touched even Mathew Merle. ‘‘ The earl will see that the sum you require is ready for you.” ¢ ““ But, Mary,” expostulated the earl. ‘“Hush! [am worn out. I can bear no more. Let him go now, with the understanding that the money will be paid him. It must be—Philip. Come back to me when you haye settled where to meet him.” comichboo ¢s) €oO