Thrice Wedded, but Only Once a Wife — page 158: what you’re looking at

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

THRICE WEDDED, | 149 ‘No harm done, sir, except the tumbling of my laces a little. And that my dear maid can easily remedy,” repned the girl, in clear, bell-like tones, while a deeper color suf- fused her face, as she noticed the look of ardent admira- tion. Her manner was that of a high-bred lady, while her pure KHnglish accent showed her to be of that origin. ‘‘May I ask is this in honor of the bridal to-night?” he cunningly asked, as he touched the finery in her arms. “Yes,” and she laughed a little gleeful laugh; then added, ‘‘We do not often have an opportunity to grace # wedding here,” so all are striving to look their sweetest and best to-night.” ke say we; are there more young ladies like yourse:t - here?” | “Yes, oh, yes,” with a deep sigh and a look of sadness. _ here are seven, besides the poor young lady who was brought here last evening, and who is to be forced into # marriage to-night.” ; — €Howdo you know that the lady is opposed to the union?” he asked, flushing deeply. | “Oh, we found it ont, through Nina, who is my maid, and whom [ lent to wait upon this unfortunate lady. She says she is the loveliest person she has ever seen, and my faithful girl sobbed like a child while telling me of it.” ‘‘Does she not even except her fair mistress, when she lavishes so much praise upon the captive?” asked Ralph, with a gaze she could not misinterpret. ‘*Ah! but Nina loves me, and besides, I do not allow her to flatter!” replied the little lady, with an air of reserved dignity. ‘‘T beg pardon again. I realize that I am very unfortu- nate to-day in my words, as well as my motions. But do you know the gentleman whom this fair young girl is to wed?” ‘“No, but I think him a heartless wretch!” she returned, — with blazing cheeks and flashing eyes, while her little foot came down with a decided pat upon the floor. ‘‘Why so, my little friend?” ‘If I were aman do you think I would wish to marry a girl who scorned my love? If it be for revenge that he _ wishes to wed her, and darken forever her bright young Eomicboo <S Eco