The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 84: what you’re looking at

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

THE APPOINTMENT 67 against her was melted. He would have been the vilest, the most detestable, andthe most brutal of wretches were it other- wise, but unprincipled though he were, he was not so bad as all this. He seized his wife’s hand, he carried it to his lips, and as she wound her arms about his neck, he clasped her to his breast. ‘“ Admirable womaft!”’ he exclaimed, ‘‘ you have taught me a lesson this night which I cannot possibly forget. What- soever may be the result of these threatening circumstances, I shall not remain unmindful of your noble generosity. No, I shall not. Wicked and unscrupulous I have been. Not for an instant do I attempt to palliate my conduct, but I may atone for it, — yes, | may atone for it, and that atone- ment shall be made. I will now follow your advice in all things. You say that you will proceed this night — ”’ “To the prison? ”’ exclaimed the lady. ‘“* Yes, at once. Lose not a moment in writing an order for the discharge of Miss Marshall; within an hour or two she may be back at _ the hotel, and the circumstance need not obtain publicity.” While thus speaking the minister’s wife had begun to reapparel herself hastily, and he, taking writing materials which were in the room, sat down and penned the document wherewith she had enjoined him to entrust her. ‘“ But is not Miss Marshall herself,’ he suddenly asked, “ playing you false? I mean by the disposal of that written promise without your knowledge — ”’ “ Let us not judge her hastily,’? interrupted the lady. “She may have secured it in some place where it has es- caped the notice of the searchers. This is indeed most prob- able, for brief as my acquaintance has been with her, I have nevertheless obtained a sufficient insight into her disposition to feel assured that she would do nought to in- jure you, the effects of which should redound upon myself. I am now about to issue forth; I will repair to the prison — But you empower me to promise Miss Marshall that her lover’s pardon shall be forwarded to her in the morning? ”’ “ The matter is in your hands,” answered the minister; “use your own discretion, adopt the course which may ap- pear best. Fear not that I shall repudiate your actions.”’ He again embraced his wife, and drawing her veil closely over her countenance, the magnanimous lady issued forth into the streets of Madrid. CONnNIEDOOKS (EO) inl os