The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 88: what you’re looking at

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

THE GAOL 71 toward two in the morning, when she heard footsteps advanc- ing along the stone corridor leading to her cell. A lght streamed through the grating in the door, the key turned in the lock, and the bolts were withdrawn. Suddenly a wild terror seized upon Kate Marshall. What if the unscrupulous and remorseless minister had caused her to be brought thither that he might by force accomplish his detestable - purpose? What if the hireling creatures belonging to that aol would wink at the atrocities committed by one so highly placed and who wielded such power either to reward or to punish? Kate started up from the wretched pallet, and the erim-looking turnkey entered with a candle, which he placed upon the table. But who was it that followed him into that cell? To whom was it that he bowed with such profound respect, while standing aside for this person to enter? It was a female closely veiled, but by her form and stature Kate knew her at once. It was the minister’s wife. The turnkey withdrew, merely closing but not bolting nor locking the door behind him; the lady threw up her veil, and the next moment she and Kate were clasped in each other’s arms. ‘““T come to save you — I come to deliver you, Miss Mar- shall,” said the minister’s wife. ‘I tell you this at once, without making it a condition for the information I seek. I would not insult you so unwarrantably as to adopt such a course — ” “Ah, my dear madam,” exclaimed Kate, Joy and grati- tude beaming upon her countenance, “‘ I felt assured you would not desert me, but I did not expect to receive so soon the proof of your friendship.’’ “ It is afforded so soon as I could possibly show it,’’ re- sponded the lady. ‘‘ You can but too well conjecture that my project failed, that all was discovered, but you will rejoice for my sake to learn that the incidents of this night have made so powerful an impression upon my husband he has suddenly become an altered man. The proofs he has given of this better state of feeling are most important for us both. To me he has promised amendment and a renewal of his love; to you he accords immediate freedom and the pardon of your intended husband.”’ Kate fell upon her knees, overcome with joy, and convey- ing the hand of the minister’s wife to her lips, she covered ) CONnNIEDOOKS (f(©)