A Final Triumph; or, A Lady Bachelor — page 37: what you’re looking at

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

A SECRET. | 38 not ask sympathy, nor make plain to others how her love was allured; to do so would invite ridicule; she would be liable to the charge of being self-deceived, when she knows better. Oh, yes; it’s terrible! She can but bend under the blow, and suffer, as I said, in silence, with the added torture of the constant inquiry, Why is it so?) And, under the circumstances, that inquiry embodies more mental anguish than a hundred physical deaths; for it there is no balm; it is a shadow that enshrouds, with not one rift to let in the light. Under similar circumstances, a man has more opportunities for diversion; he can kill or smother sorrow and mortification and the remembrance of a hu- miliation in a hundred ways; but a woman is utterly help- less, and consequently must endure the greater agony!” In tones that were like a moan springing from an anguished heart, George Edicott said: ‘* Your words are true, Laurence; but for me there is no diversion. I also will suffer as the guilty suffer, and nowhere can I turn for comfort and relief. ’’ Laurence laid his hand on his friend’s shoulder, and gaid in clear, firm tones: ‘* George, you have a secret; reveal it to me.”’ ‘* Yes, I have a secret; I can not reveal it. A shadow is laid upon me. I am driven to my present course by an inexorable decree. J’am a villain. If you knew the truth, you would not wonder at the confession. J can make no further explanation to you—none to her.’’ ** What will you do, Georger’’ ** Bid her adieu with the usual courtesy, and trust to Heaven and justice to harden her heart against me, and comicbooks ro aes _ o- a ee Oe ee "ro" Ls ae ey a Panes or : ‘ ae