A Struggle for a Ring — page 399: what you’re looking at

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

wy 395 guilt; it was’ something astounding to her, as the notion of sin or shame always is to a refined woman, a well-bred woman. She was at first inclined to be very severe, and said cruel words to the pale, trembling girl; but when she had been for some time with her—when she had watched her, had listened to her, had keenly criticised every look and every word—there came to her a certain conviction that the girl was quite innocent, although: she could not reconcile her innocence with the appearances that were so greatly against her. Her heart was touched with pity; she followed Ailie to her room. ‘« Have you a mother living, Miss Derwent?” she asked, gently ; and Ailie answered : EVES: ‘«Then,” she said, ‘‘ 1 advise you.strongly to go to her, and tell her all about this unfortunate affair. Lady Wal- drove has been rather severe with you, but it is no wonder. “YOU HAVE CRUELLY MISFUDGED ME,” I tell you honestly that my first feeling was one of intense ~ anger against you, one of unmitigated disgust; but that — now I have the conviction that you could give us some ex- planation, if you would. Is itso, Miss Derwent?” | ‘‘T cannot speak, Lady Gertrude; I cannot excuse my- self 1 can only say, for every good and kindly thought that you have of me, may the great and merciful God bless you !” For the first time since the first shock of the accusations brought against her, she put off the chain that hung round her neck—the slender, golden chain to which was attached the golden wedding-ring. The very touch of it seemed to } comfort her; they were all mistaken, all wrong—here was her wedding-ring—she was his wife. The very thought gave her courage; it nerved her with fresh strength, it gave her more fortitude for suffering. She was his wife! they r (E(0) mm (e 00 cS (E(0)