The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 110: what you’re looking at

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

NED RUSSELL 93 three weeks, my lord, and depend upon it, I shall make the best of husbands, as I am sure that Kate will make the best of wives. Do you think, my lord, that 1 ever anything was to put her out and she did say a harsh word, which I know she won’t, but even if she did, do you think I would give her one in return? No, never. I would kiss her back into good humour. I would sooner kill myself than draw a tear from her eye, or make her beautiful face look mourn- ful by any conduct on my part. I shall never forget what she has done for me, — never forget all that she has gone through. The bare idea of it, as well as my own sufferings, has made me an altered, and, I think, a better man. As for your lordship, your name will ever be a household word with us. And,’’ added Ned Russell, “ if we are blessed with a son, I shall take the liberty — hud hope no offence — of calling him Christoval after your lordship.”’ “And depend upon it,’’ responded the warm-hearted nobleman, ‘‘ I shall be rejoiced to stand godfather.’’ Don Diego took his departure, followed by the kindest wishes and sincerest expressions of gratitude on the part ot Ned Russell and the Marshalls. On the very same day Kate gave away her carrier-pigeons to some neighbour who had long fancied them, and who she was well aware would treat them kindly; and the little reception-place, as well as the curiously contrived trap-door, disappeared from the roof of the Admiral’s Head. Kate looked back with sorrow - upon the somewhat lax notions which she had hitherto en- tertained in certain particulars, for she also felt, as did her intended husband, that the incidents of the last few weeks had their moral teachings which were not to be disregarded. In this better frame of mind she possessed all the elements to render her an admirable member of society, and such she was resolved to become. The same purifying influence was shed throughout the family, and no long interval of time elapsed ere they felt that calamity and adversity often have their sovereign uses. Three weeks after the return to Dover, Ned Russell led Kate Marshall to the altar. It was a blithe and happy day, and again was the Admiral’s Head a scene of festivity and rejoicing. CONNIE DOOKS (C(O)