Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 96: what you’re looking at

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

MR. HARLEY 79 mured words of impassioned ardour and vows of eternal love, and imprinted innumerable kisses on her glowing _ features. At length extricating herself from his embrace, and hur- riedly smoothing her dress and arranging her disordered hair, she turned upon him a look of mingled tenderness and reproach; but he strove to seize her fair hand in his own. ‘‘ Release me — for God’s sake let me go! ”’ she murmured. “ My sister will return in a moment — ” “ And I will tell her that I love — that I adore you, charm- ing Octavia!’ interrupted Harley. “ No — no — not yet! ”’ said Octavia, yielding to him her hand, and holding down her blushing countenance. ‘‘ Con- sider, Mr. Harley — ”’ “Call me by my Christian name, dearest, — call me George,” he exclaimed, passing his arm around her waist and drawing her gently toward him, until his cheek rested upon the glossy surface of her radiant hair. ‘‘ Consider, then, George,’’ she proceeded in a low, tremu- lous, yet tender tone, which seemed like the sound of a silver bell oscillating in a strong breeze, — “ consider that we have known each other for so short a time — that my father is absent — ”’ ‘Well, then, my angel, we will for the present conceal our love,’ said Harley. ‘“ But do you— can you love me? Oh, now upon your reply all my happiness reposes! ”’ “ And were I to answer in the affirmative,” said the re- joicing, exulting, but trembling girl, ‘ you would think — ” “Only that you are as kind and tender as you are beauti- ful.”’ “What words would you have me speak? Oh, what would you have me say? ’” murmuringly inquired the agitated girl. “I would have you tell me that you love me! — yes, love me as I love you!’ responded Harley. “ Tell me this, sweet maid! — adorable Octavia! — tell me this, and make me happy! — oh, immeasurably happy! ”’ “ But — but,” she murmured, “‘ if I did, you would deem me bold — forward — rash — inconsiderate — ”’ “Oh, no—no! I ean never entertain a sentiment in- jurious to you, my beloved Octavia!’”’ interrupted George Harley. Then, drawing her to a seat, and placing himself a — = GOMmicdooks (C©)