A Struggle for a Ring — page 346: what you’re looking at

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

342 “I WOULD DIE TO FREE YOU." But one look at the pale, beautiful, gentle face quieted him—that would be to expose her to insult. He made some excuse for quitting the room soon after ; he could not have remained there much longer without betraying himself. That same evening he had gone to the library in search of a book, hoping to be able to distract his attention. Most of the gentlemen, he knew, were in the smoking- room; the ladies had gone to theirrooms. As he stood in the dimly-lighted room, Ailie entered, with a lighted wax taper in her hand. ‘¢T knew you were here,” she said; ‘‘do not fear to let me speak to you—there is no one in this part of the house at all. Lady Waldrove asked me to find her ‘The Three Musketeers.’ Jam going to read to her, but I shall have time to say one word to you.” He looked sadly at the fair, young face, thinking him- self what trouble and sorrow he had brought upon her. She placed the taper on one of the tables; then she stood before him, so fair, so gentle, so loving, his heart was touched. She looked up into his face with her sweet, innocent eyes, in which lay no shadow of fear—nothing but devotion and truth. ‘*My love,” she said, gently, ‘‘is not my life, and all that it holds, your own?” ‘«Yes,” he replied, sadly; ‘‘I believe so, Ailie.” ‘‘T have come to say to you, have no fear. I heard all that Lady Waldrove said to-day. I knew that each word was torture to you. Have no fear, no one shall’ever know our secret. I will sacrifice anything in the world rather than that should happen. I will never ask you to risk. your mother's anger by making our marriage known. Oh, my love, my love, if I could but die to free you!” GComicbooks.