The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 78: what you’re looking at

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

THE APPOINTMENT 61 endeavoured not to prevent him from using those materials. She doubtless thought that such an attempt would be vain, and might only lead to the exercise of violence toward her- self, and to the disturbance of the household. ‘Therefore in a few moments a light sprang into existence in the room, but not more quickly blazed up that flame than did the eyes of the minister glance upon the female — and he beheld his own wiie! “ Madam,” he said, becoming composed and calm all in a moment, and speaking in a cold, stern voice, “I will not pretend to declare that you are not justified in the course you have pursued. But on my side I have now only one alternative to adopt.”’ Thus speaking, he took from a side-table a sealed packet, containing the pardon of Edward Russell, and deliberately tearing it in halves, he set fire to it by the wax candle which he had lighted. He watched the fragments until they were consumed; the baffled, disappointed, and even humiliated wife watched them also. Then, as the last sparks were ex- piring one after the other on the blackened tinder, the un- happy lady heaved a profound sigh, and tears trickled down her cheeks as she thought of what would now be the feelings of poor Kate Marshall. But as a recollection suddenly flashed to her mind, she accosted her husband, and looking him with earnest significancy in the countenance, said, “Miss Marshall has an acknowledgment, signed by your own hand, sealed with the ministerial signet, to the effect that the pardon of Edward Russell is to be presented to her.”’ “On certain conditions,’’ responded the minister, coldly, ‘“ which have not been fulfilled.” “ But that acknowledgment,’’ quickly exclaimed his wife, ‘will prove your ruin. It will™serve as the corroboration of the tale which she will tell — ”’ ‘No,’ interrupted the minister, ‘it will have none of these effects,’ and he pulled the cord of the bell with some degree of violence. “What would you do? What intention have you?” de- manded his wife, seized with consternation. ‘““ Listen to the orders I shall give,’’ rejoined her husband, still in that same cold, stern, implacable voice, ‘‘ and you will hear.’’ The bell which he had just pulled rang in the chamber of GOmiGaooks (C©)