Witch Hazel; or, The Secret of the Locket — page 275: what you’re looking at

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

took possession of her. for she did not know of a place in the world where she could find refuge in this time of trouble. She had sunk weak and trembling upona chair, when Lord Nelson offered bail for her, overcome by his le kindness; but her heart was greatly burdened nowin viewof her utter friend- lessness. Who would receive a suspected criminal into their home % Lord Nelson stepped aside to confer with the offi- cer. The latter, on being assured that the nobleman would be auswerable for the appearance of Hazel at any time required, resolved to take the responsi- bility of releasing her from custody. After which he touched his hat courteously to the ladies and took his departure, more relieved than he would have been willing to own that he had not been obliged to “take that little beauty to prison.” “Now that matter is comfortably settled—at least for the present, Miss Gay,” Lord Nelson said, cheerily, as he approached her atter the detective had gone; “you are as free as the air until this unfortunate case becomes the subject of magisterial investigation, and I trust before that time arrives we shall be able to ferret out the real rogue, and relieve you from this disagreeable situation.” * Hazel began, but not an- other word could she utter, while, in spite of her gratitude, she kept saying to herself, **What shall I do ?—where shall I go?” Now she felt the need of Percy’s strong, loving heart and protecting care as she had never felt it be- fore. Ob, if he were only there to direct her and help her hear this crushing burden!—to comfort her an get the assurance that he WOU ENS. her to the en