Bonny Jean, and A Severe Threat — page 128: what you’re looking at

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

A SEVERE THREAT. 424 and Lloyd Vernon had lain out under the twinkling stars; com- rades together, sharing the same tent, in their rough life en- gineering amid wild scenes, they had spoken of her , for, far away in America, Vernon dreamed not of all that was transpir- ing at home; and it was the dearest wish of his heart that Howard Ashleigh should win his sister’s affection. The recollection of the hopes which had come to Ashleigh overpowered him now. He caught the girl’s two hands in his and bent his handsome head to gaze into her slumberous eyes. Old Judith had slipped away from the room, and they were alone. ‘* Geraldine,” he panted, breathlessly, ‘¢T will save you from the fate before you, if you will let me! I have never forgotten you ; I have always loved you! See! I have worn this above — my he since last we met !” He drew forth a diamond- studded locket, and opening it, dis- closed to Geraldine her own face. She averted her head to hide the crimson blushes, and she trembled visibly, ‘‘Speak, darling!” he implored. ‘‘ Tell me that you forgive my presumption ; for, oh, Geraldine, I love you so! And I will save you from the fate that awaits you, if you will only con- sent.” ‘* How ?” she faltered. ‘Marry me at once!” he went on, eagerly. ‘‘Give me the right to defend you, and no one can ever harm you again, I am not rich—that is true—but once my wife, and away in our own free land, where there is room for every man of energy and perseverance, you shall be.cared for. If you consent, my dar- ling,” he went on, quickly, ‘‘we will go over to Scotland, and be married immediately. They dispense with all senseless for- mality there. I would not counsel you against your father's wishes; but the necessity of the case demands stringent meas- . ures. Tell me, Geraldine—can you care for me?” The golden head drooped against his shoulder. ‘‘T docare!” she said, shyly. ‘‘We have both learned to (ee) Gomichooks