Bonny Jean, and A Severe Threat — page 120: what you’re looking at

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

BONNY JEAN. 113 a while they stood in a very trance of joy; then she drew her- self away. ‘‘ What is the matter, my darling ?” cried Philip, in alarm. ** You—you are vof married, are you, Philip ?” ‘‘ Married, indeed! No, I am not married, Jean !” ‘But she is!” shrieked Mrs, Corney, recovering her breath and speech at the same time. An awtul horror fell upon Jean, blotting out all her joy. She sat down and buried her face in her hands. But Philip took her hand and led her down and out of the house, Mrs. Conway following closely. Once outside, they found quite a spirited scene taking place. Gabriel Black lay upon the ground, pallid, half-frightened to death, and a woman was stooping over him with a revolver pointed at his heart. ‘‘ What does all this mean ?” cried Philip. ‘‘ This man is my prisoner !” The woman raised her head; and disclosed a pale, pretty face, ~ but all lined with sorrow and suffering. ‘¢T am Gabriel Black’s wife |!” she said, slowly and distinctly. ‘My name is Mariette Black. He married me in St. Landry parish, ten years ago, and then deserted me. ‘The marriage with Miss Conway was, of course, illegal, for I was living ; yes, I have lived when other women would have died ; lived to hunt him down. It was I who frightened him, knowing his cow- ardly nature ; it was I who conveyed the warnings, and I who attempted to aid Miss Conway and her mother to escape from his toils). And now that the day of retribution has come, I claim the right to punish him. I shall take his miserable life !” She paused, and all eyes were turned upon the villain. Over his pale face a grayish hue had settled ; his eyes were open and staring straight before him. _ He was dead; had actually died of fright. * * * * * * * Jean and Philip were married at once, Philip purchased Eomichooks (elo) 3