The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 73: what you’re looking at

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

56 REYNOLDS’ WORKS with averted looks, and still, too, with cheeks of peony- redness, ‘‘ there is something still more coercive than an oath.”’ ‘What mean you?’ demanded the Spaniard, hastily. ‘“T mean this,”’ was the quick reply, “ that if you attempt to violate that oath which you have sworn, a dagger which I shall have with me — ” ‘““ A dagger?” ejaculated the minister, who was in his soul a coward. “Yes, a dagger,’ responded Kate. ‘‘ But not to drink your heart’s blood. J am no murderess — no, not even to avenge such an outrage as that would be. But inasmuch as, if after having surrendered my honour up to you, it would be a shame goading me to madness to look you in the face, and as death would be preferable to such shame, that dagger which is to accompany me shall be plunged deep down into my own bosom if you were to attempt to violate your oath. Then your Excellency would have to account to the world as best you could for the tragedy thus occurring in the privacy of your own chamber.” ‘Fear not, beauteous creature,’ responded the minister, “that there will be need for such a frightful catastrophe. No, no, my imagination will depict the loveliness of your countenance, as it is already impressed upon my memory. Be it therefore as you say: we will meet in the darkness, we will continue in darkness, we will part in darkness like- wise.”’ ) drawn up, your signature will be attached thereto? You will have the document in readiness for me this night? ”’ “Fear not, all shall be done as you wish,” replied the Spaniard. ‘““And now, one word more,’’ continued Kate, ‘“ for all this has a businesslike regularity that must not be lost sight of. Your Excellency perceives that I trust entirely to your honour in faithfully placing in my hands the pardon for which I am to make so great a sacrifice. ‘There is in our English history a terrible tale, of a certain Colonel Kirke, who obtained possession of a young damsel’s virtue under circumstances somewhat similar to these which are taking place now, with this difference, however, that it was the girl’s brother, and not her lover, for whom she sacrificed ) ‘‘ And the decree of pardon,’’ added Kate, “‘ will be already CONNIE IOO KS (E(0) m