The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 93: what you’re looking at

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

70 REYNOLDS’ WORKS apt to faint in periods of excessive grief or excessive joy, and thus her natural fortitude soon came to her assistance. She lost no time, while the minister’s wife was still with her, in penning a few hasty lines to Don Christoval, — a few lines likewise to her beloved Edward Russell, assuring him that she was about to set off in a post-chaise to meet him at Barcelona. ‘The pardon, and this note for Russell, were enclosed in a packet addressed to Don Diego Christoval, and then Kate hastened to the landlady’s apartment, to inform her that her lover’s life was saved, without any condition of minor punishment, and to request that a courier should be at once obtained to bear this second despatch on the heels of the urst. The worthy woman was so delighted that she could scarcely leave off embracing Kate, who was naturally im- patient that not a minute’s unnecessary delay should occur ere the messenger was in his saddle. She saw the man depart, and then hurried up to her own chamber, where the minister’s wife was waiting her return. ‘“ Now, my dear Miss Marshall,” said this lady, ‘‘ before we separate I have a certain duty to fulfl,— a duty which, I have much pleasure in stating, was suggested by my husband, for he feels that even the granting this pardon is searcely an adequate atonement for his conduct toward you. You per- ceive, therefore, that his regrets of last night were not transi- tory. Indeed he had been profoundly touched by all these circumstances, and not the least by the proofs of love which I have exhibited toward him. He desires me to seek on his behalf the express assurance of your forgiveness, and he beseeches that you will not refuse to accept the contents of this purse —— Nay, do not shake your head, my dear Miss Marshall. You will accept this trifling present from me, even if you have any scruple in receiving it from him? ”’ ‘“ Dearest lady,’’ answered Kate, with tears in her eyes, ‘“T consider that his Excellency has made every atonement, and from the very bottom of my heart do I forgive him the temporary uneasiness which he caused me. And you, dear lady, you have proved yourself the kindest, the best of friends. But I cannot accept that purse — I need it not. Though not rich, I have ample means for my present pur- poses — ”’ ‘“ Hnough, my dear Miss Marshall,” interrupted the lady. “* We will say no more upon that subject. But you will not (E(0) CONNIE IOOKS