The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 83: what you’re looking at

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

66 REYNOLDS’ WORKS ‘“T am about to ask you much,” quickly responded the minister, but then, as a sudden thought struck him, he ex- claimed, “f Oh, you must know what Miss Marshall has done with that document? She acted under your advice — ” “Think you,” interrupted the lady, with a reproachful look, “‘ that I should have left you thus in suspense had I really known how she has disposed of the paper? No, on my soul, I am ignorant on the subject. I saw her this after- noon, and she acquainted me with all that had taken place between herself and you in the morning; she even showed me that paper, but I neither counselled her to make any special use of it, nor did she intimate that such was her intention. So far from myself having the knowledge that she thought of parting with it, it was a portion of my plan to obtain it from her on the morrow, when placing the pardon in her hands; and I should have come, as I ere now said, to throw myself at your feet, to reveal everything, and to restore to you this very written promise whereof we are speaking.” The lady spoke with such a voice and with such looks of completest sincerity that it was impossible for her husband to doubt the truth of her averments. ‘“T believe you,” he said. ‘* What right indeed have I to doubt you, — you who are exhibiting a kindness and an affection toward me which I so little deserve? ”’ ‘“ And the service I can render you?” asked the wife, anxiously. ‘‘ Methinks I can anticipate what you would say.” ‘‘ At an early hour in the morning,”’ responded the min- ister, “‘ you must repair — ”’ “ This night! Now, if you will,’ exclaimed the lady. “I know what youmean: you would have me visit Miss Marshall in her prison — But, ah, my dear husband, you have still the power to make some atonement, and rest assured you will not be a loser thereby! Sign the order for this young woman’s release; let me be the bearer of it to the gaol, and I stake my existence upon the promise I now make, which is, that I will save you if it be yet possible to recall what- ever course Miss Marshall may have taken.” It was still more impossible than at first for the minister to remain insensible to the generous conduct of his wife. That heart which for nearly two years had remained so hardened CONNIE IO KS (E(@) m