Beautiful Rienzi; or, The Secret Vendetta — page 245: what you’re looking at

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

238. BEAUTIFUL RIENZL what right you again return to me. I cannot, and will not love you.’ ‘« He cast himself at my feet with such passionate sorrow that I was forced to weep. I tried to soothe him, but he was firm. ‘«« At last he rose and expressed himself satisfied, and left me. ‘he next morning some letters came to us both; among them was a note for me which overwhelmed me with consternation. It ran thus: ‘*¢Tsolina Rienzi will not refuse to meet at —— Hotel, this evening, at five o'clock, a lady, who holds her past history in her hands, and to ee nee from further grief, would warn her of a danger which threat- ens her.’ *<'This could only refer to my secret marriage with Victor Joselyn; what lady was this who seemed to know of it so well? And she had some danger that she would warn me of. I was terribly alarmed. “« You remember the wild storm that day? At the hour appointed I stole out, hoping to escape detection, thor- oughly frightened at the consequences of my imprudent secret, and determined to confide to my father and seek his protection as soon as I returned, if danger indeed threatened my husband. ‘Tt was a furious night, but Thad not far to go; there was a cab drawn up on the other side of the street, and when I had fought my way against the storm for some rods, it followed me and stopped. ‘The driver asked me if I was Miss Rienzi, and if I was going to the Hotel. When I said yes, he said he had been sent for me, and opened the cab door. I entered, and was driven rapidly to the place. I was instantly conducted into a private room, when a lady, whom I had never seen before, rose at my entrance, and flung her arms round me. «<*T have got you at last,’ she cried, exultantly; ‘do you know that you are my child? Did you ever hear of Gemma Lancinetto? JI am she, and Iam going to claim you*from the wretched Guiseppe Rienzi! His child is in her grave long ago!’ ‘‘] dropped upon a couch when she released me, sick with terror and amazement. ' «© * Lady, Ido not understand,’ I cried. ‘Who are you? did you not send for me, on some business connected with ; 7 j ' comichooks-c¢o