Beadle's Dime Novels No. 95 — page 48: what you’re looking at

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

* 50 : EPH PETERS. I deserve to be Empress of France! In good sooth, your fancy is a strange one, which can transport me from this humble station, in one short moment, to a throne!” “ You jest, and Jam serious. A woman less fair than you is the wife of our monarch to-day. If beauty had its meed, you would take such a place.” Ps “What ¢s the matter with you, Monsieur Jaques? Doyou not see that all this is impossible, even if I were what you are determined to make me? France! I hate France. Sie is cruel and proud; I am English,.in spite of the French blood in my veins. I take it from my good English father, and I love his country.” | « “You do not know France,” said Jaques, eagerly. “The hills and valleys are like none else in the wide world. The grape has a happier flavor, and the sunshine dwels forever on- her slopes; do not speak against France.” “ Why should I love it ?” They had reached the spring when she asked this question, ‘ and stood together on the brink of the little rivulet, which, in alternate bands gf light and shade, went dancing down thie slope, gurgling over the stones, and making strange music on its pebbly bed. She stooped down, and took a little water in _the hollow of her hand, and just touched her lips with it. . The beauty of her attitude at that moment hurried him on to his fate. “Why should you love France, do you ask?” Because I love it; because your love should be mine; because you must marry. me, and make that France your home !” He had her hand before she could speak,-and was down | upon his knees before her, covering it with kisses. She drew it hastily away, and looked at him in utter amazement. “There is nothing that you.can wish for which can not be granted. I am the son of a Count—heir to the title. Share with me the honor of my position.” “ Do not go on,” she said, with an appealing look. “ You are wrong, you are very wrong. All this is nothing to me.” “ Do not decide at once; take time—months, years; I can waif. Only consider; do nothing hastily.” “Tt is impossible.” , * You say this in earnest ?” ’ comicbooks.com