Thrice Wedded, but Only Once a Wife — page 178: what you’re looking at

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

THRICE WEDDED. 169 which, upon interpreting, Ralph’s heart grew still with a deathly horror for a moment, then instantly bounding with new life and a sudden deter mination, he left the sad group at the altar and quickly followed his retreating figure. The squire, on lifting the drapery at the door, discovered a guard; but a lightning blow dropped him senseless, and he sed with flying steps in the direction of Mr. Eller ton’s cell, feeling the sharp edge of a dagger as he went, and mutter- ing to himself: ‘‘Now’s my time—now’s my time!” CHAPTER XXX. FREE TO CHOOSE. haadanly Vivien started forward, and gliding quickly up to Fredrich Weimher’s side, said sweetly, while her face flushed crimson beneath his gaze of admiration: ‘Will you allow me to leave this place for a few minutes? Nay,” she added, quickly, as she saw him hesitate and glance suspiciously at her, ‘it is only good that I would do. I would liberate one who has mourned in vain for freedom, and if I mistake not, one whom you came to release to- da Uti name?” eagerly cried the young man. ‘Robert Ellerton!” she answered. ““Yes, lady, yes, you shall be allowed to go wherever you choose; and if you will allow me I will accompany you, for he is the dearest friend I have.” She smiled an assent, and offering her his arm, they pro- ceeded from the room. She led him through several passages and rooms, he gaz- © ing with wonder as he went at everything he saw, until at Jength they stopped before the glass door through which Robert had gazed down upon the six lovely girls. She took a tiny key frem her pocket and unlocked the — door; leading him within, she asked him to be seated while she went to summon his friend. He took the seat indicated, but said, as she was turning < away: ‘Stay. lady, one moment, and tell me, first, if I am, in- deed, too late to Ss bie that Paci ueE ous ee as that or villain said?”. : | a Eomicbooks (G(e)