The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 22: what you’re looking at

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

A FRIEND IN NEED ) that he should never see me more. And yet though in that letter he asked me not to come to him, his heart must have told him that I should do so. Yes, I should have come, were the distance even ten thousand times as great. He knows it, and expects me — I am sure he does.”’ ‘“ Magnanimous young woman!” exclaimed the count, “vou shall have whatsoever little assistance I may be en- abled to render you. But this, I fear,” he added, gloomily, ‘“‘ will scarcely avail under the peculiar circumstances of the present case, for, as you tell me, there has been a conflict, blood was shed, lives were lost — ”’ ‘‘ But Ned Russell’s broadsword slew not one of those un- fortunate men,’’ Miss Marshall hastened to observe. ‘‘ His weapon was drawn only in self-defence; he parried blows, but dealt none. His men took those lives that were lost.”’ “This may be a consolation for him and for you, Miss Marshall,”’ observed the count, “‘ but in the eye of the law it will scarcely be deemed a palliative of the offence, inasmuch as Captain Russell was the leader of those men who took these lives. However, the best that I can do shall be done.’’ ‘““And my etggnal gratitude is your lordship’s due,”’ an- iss : swered Kate, fervid enthusiasm. “ Surely, Mi arshall,” observed Don Diego, “‘ you had some other hope of being enabled to interest yourself on behalf of your intended husband? If so, leave no stone _ unturned.” ‘“T had indeed some slight. hope in a certain quarter,” responded Kate. ‘“‘ The Marquis of Villebelle, the French chargé d’ajjatres at the court of Madrid, is under some obligation to me on account of a certain matter wherein I was enabled a few months back to render him a little assistance.”’ “The Marquis of Villebelle? ’’ ejaculated Don Diego, to whose ear the name was well known, inasmuch as Elizabeth Paton had told him all her past history. “ Yes, my lord, it is he,’’ rejoined Kate, ‘‘ on whom I did somewhat reckon for succour in this dreadful dilemma. I know wherefore the name has thus startled you.”’ ‘““ By all means,” said the count, ‘‘ fail not to communicate with the marquis, or see him, as soon as possible. Where- fore should you proceed first of all to Barcelona? Wherefore not repair straight to Madrid? ”’ “I was bewildered, my lord, I knew not how to ae CONNIE DOOKS (C@)