Vashti's Fate — page 304: what you’re looking at

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

THE MEETING. 299 ‘*Her father is a madman.” ‘“Was—he is dead.” ‘‘ Madness is said to be hereditary in the family—she be~ lieved she would come to that at last, and therefore was de- termined to keep our fates separate. She called herself taciturn and gloomy, and said that constant companionship with her would make me hate her at last.” “Singular girl! Were not your fates indissolubly con- nected by that contract of marriage?” ‘“There was a time when I hesitated on account of that hereditary taint, but before the invincibleness of my pas- sion, all such obstacles crumbled. I thought if she would let me, I could save her even from that.” Thorpe changed the subject to a discussion of ways and means to reach home with all the expedition possible, and looked already a changed man—much of the gloom of his manner being lost in an impatient and feverish joyfulness, that displayed itself in every movement. CHAPTER XXXVIIL. THE MEETING. The voyage was sufficiently tempestuous and lingering to give the Messrs. Thorpe and Brownlee an opportunity to draw largely on their united stock of patience. At the wharf they took conveyance for Everleigh, with that head- long haste that usually characterizes lovers, As Thorpe was rushing with frantic haste up the avenue, Leon seized him by the arm. ‘“Are you crazed?” he said. ‘‘Vashti is very feeble, a sudden shock like this might kill her. ~ Besides you need co m ~ Comicboo ‘Ss