Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 63: what you’re looking at

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

46 REYNOLDS’ WORKS “What proof can I give you of my gratitude? Oh, tell me what proof? ”’ ) ‘There is nothing — nothing,”’ replied the doctor, in a grave and mournful voice. “I could not do you an injury, no, I could not. I feel that I must risk everything and dare everything alike here and hereafter, sooner than involve you in peril. But, oh, Lady Saxondale, for Heaven’s sake take warning by what has passed! ”’ “TI will, I will!” she exclaimed. ‘ Your advice shall not be lost upon me. Oh, Doctor Ferney, I am entirely in your hands, I am at your mercy, I am in your power. May I rely upon your solemn sacred promise not to betray me?” ‘“ You may,’ was his answer. “But if a period of remorse should seize upon you,”’ resumed Lady Saxondale, still in the hurried voice of ex- citement, ‘if you should think better of this pledge that you have given — ”’ “Fear not,’ he interrupted her, gently, but firmly; ‘from the past you may judge whether I am a man who will fly from his word. No, Lady Saxondale, even upon my death-bed will I keep your secret, and may Heaven forgive me for so doing! ”’ “The gratitude of my life 1s yours. And now that we may turn away from this sad, sad topic,’ continued Lady Saxondale, “ will you not accept the hospitality of the castle? Believe me, my dear Doctor Ferney, I could receive no more welcome guest than one who has proved himself so kind a friend to me.”’ ‘No, Lady Saxondale,”’ he answered, not coldly nor distantly, but mournfully and gravely, “‘ [ must not remain here. ‘The less we see of each other in the world, the better. You would feel embarrassed in my presence, knowing that I possessed this secret of yours. And I, — but no matter. Farewell.”’ And with this abrupt adieu, Doctor Ferney grasped Lady Saxondale’s hand for a moment, and hurried from the room. Thus terminated this strange scene, and a few minutes afterward, the physician was being borne away in the post- chaise from Saxondale Castle. ) GOmiIGoDoOoks.Go