Thrice Wedded, but Only Once a Wife — page 212: what you’re looking at

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THRICE WEDDED. 003 _ Moulton, where he could not see them until the proper mo- ment should arrive for Vivien to reveal herself. ‘Well, what now?” snarled the villain, as, on looking up, he beheld, as he supposed, two of the smugglers standing in front of him. | ‘“Your doom!’ was the stern response, while both men threw aside their rough garments, and stood revealed in their true characters as Italian noblemen. A shriek of craven fear rang long and loud throughout the lofty cavern, and finally died away among the glittering arches above; then a death-like silence ensued for a few mo- ments, while, with rigid face and starting eyes, the unhappy wretch gazed upon the forms before him as if they had been - ghosts from the other world, come back to haunt and tor- ture him with fearful memories. At length ths elder spoke, in tones that froze the listeners’ blood. “Our oath is nearly fulfilled, and the fearful wrong you did our sister is about to be avenged, and justice will at last be done. We have hunted and tracked you for long, long years; we have seen you plot evil and suffering for others, | and.only waited for a favorable opportunity to wreak our own vengeance upon you. That opportunity has at last ar- rived. You are soon to be called to account for your treach- erous and sin-blackened career.” ‘Oh, you will not kill me; you will let me live a little longer!” cried the wretched man, trembling with terror. ‘Who killed our sister? Who came into a peaceful, lov- ing family, created discord and sorrow, blighted every joy and hope it had ever known, dishonored its fair name, and broke the hearts of a loving father and a tender, devoted daughter? Do von deserve tobe spared? Think you there — is one lota of pity in my heart for such a wretch as you? No! As I said before, your doom is sealed, and justice shall have her due.” | ‘**Mercy—mercy!” the squire gasped, writhing in agony at their feet. “Mercy!” thundered Count Gerient, of Lamerack. ‘Were you merciful when you deserted her whose innocent heart and affections were won by your artful schemes, whom - you made your wife that you might fill your purse with gold, and finding none, pronounced your marriage a trick, broke © her gentle heart, and heartlessly left her to suffer poverty Gomichbooks.co