The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 357: what you’re looking at

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

340 REYNOLDS’ WORKS gladly acquire a claim upon her by the performance of some chivalrous exploit, or the carrying out of some well-laid stratagem, in order to deliver her from the power of her bandit-husband. “The time is passing,’ said Juliana, one forenoon, about eight or nine days after her arrival at the tower, “‘ and as yet nothing is decided. He may return sooner than we anticipate. ’’ ‘The time has passed so agreeably, in one sense,” observed Forester, ‘‘ and indeed I am now in no hurry for the return of Collantes.”’ | ‘* But if he should return speedily,’ urged Juliana, bending upon her companion a tender look, for she comprehended full well the meaning of his words, ‘‘ what will become of me? Oh, what shall I do if you were to leave me here alone? I should feel as if abandoned by my only friend.” ‘Miss Farefield,’’ responded Forester, earnestly, “I swear to you that I am incapable of abandoning you by my own free will. Come, let us seriously, and if possible for the last time, deliberate upon some plan of flight.” ‘“ Alas!’ said Juliana, ‘‘ I see not how it is to be effected. Sentinels watch at the entrance of the tower by night, and in the daytime it would be utter madness to attempt escape. ’’ “TI know not that it would be such utter madness,’ observed Forester, as an idea gradually developed itself in his mind. ‘If I thought that you were able to gallop a steed fearlessly — ”’ | “Oh, indeed I am,” ejaculated Juliana, as the remem- brance of her rapid flight from the cottage, in company with her husband, came back to her mind. ‘“‘ But what plan has suggested itself? ”’ ‘‘ Supposing that we had two steeds ready saddled,” said Mr. Forester, ‘ and that, watching an opportunity, we sprang upon their backs and committed ourselves to chance? There would be this risk probably, — that bullets would whistle about our ears. For myself, I care not. And perhaps those ) sentinels posted around would hesitate to fire at their chiei-— tain’s wife — Pardon me for reminding you of your posi- tion.”’ ‘They would fire — rest assured that they would fire,”’ rejoined Juliana. ‘“‘ Wherefore are they posted on those heights? ”’ CONNIE DOO KS m