The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 80: what you’re looking at

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

THE APPOINTMENT 63 pledge my existence that no evil use shall be made of the written promise you have given. In mercy spare her, I con- jure you!” and the unhappy lady extended her clasped hands in anguished entreaty toward her husband. But cold and pitiless, he continued to gaze down upon her; he was moved not by her beauty nor her tears; he seemed not to reflect that in atonement for the monstrous in- justice he had done toward her who was his wife, he was bound to confer any boon which she might demand. There, in seminudity, she knelt; there, clad only in the lightest drapery, was she, a suppliant at his feet, and he still re- morseless and implacable. ‘But wherefore,’ he demanded, “‘ did you leave several days to elapse ere this project of yours, to which she became an accomplice, was put into execution? ” “ Oh, because it was deemed more prudent to allow that interval to pass, so that 1t might appear as if she procras- tinated the dread alternative until almost the latest mo- ment — 7’ “T understand,” interrupted the minister, a scornful smile appearing upon his lips. “ It was indeed a stratagem altogether well worthy of woman’s ingenuity, — a strata- gem whereby two purposes were to be served: she to obtain the pardon of her lover, you to win back a neglectful husband to your arms. And pray, madam, was it your intent to keep this secret all to yourself? ”’ “No,’’? she answered, suddenly rising to her feet, and assuming a firmer look. ‘“ To-morrow, after having placed the pardon in the young woman’s hands, I should have come to you, I should have thrown myself at your feet, where I have now been so vainly kneeling, I should have confessed everything, I should have besought you to take compassion upon me, and to consider that the course [ had adopted was not merely to save a virtuous and unhappy foreigner from the chance of succumbing to a foul wrong as the only alter- native of rescuing her lover, but likewise as a proof of the affection, undiminished and undying, which I entertain for you. Oh, will you not be merciful? Do what you will with me, but spare that unhappy creature.” “ It is impossible,’’ responded the husband; “‘ the order has gone forth. Itis too late. And now, madam,” he added, with another scornful smile, “‘ since you have thus con- CONNIE DOOKS (FO)