Bonny Jean, and A Severe Threat — page 142: what you’re looking at

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

A SEVERE THREAT. 135 —no, a thousand times, no! You have heard the words which I spoke to my father ; you know, therefore, what to expect when you make Geraldine Vernon your wife. Since you invite your doom, the consequences be upon your own head. No, Sir John Sydney, the unholy sacrifice must not be—sha// not be now!” ~— Sir John gave the girl a comprehensive glance, and his eyes wore an ugly expression. ‘“One week from to-day,” he returned, coldly, ‘‘I will meet you in London; your father will bring you thither. The wed- ding will be solemnized at cnce, at St. George's, and Lionel Vernon’s guilty secret will be safe. Do you understand me, Geraldine ?” ‘She shuddered visibly. ** Yes, I understand you. The sacrifice shall take place, and the victim will not be wanting. But woe to you, Sir John Syd- ney! You shall live to remember this hour, and look back upon it with the keenest regret that the human heart can know! AS sure as you Stand there I will pay you off inch by inch for all the wrongs you have inflicted upon me. Beware, Sir John Sydney !” . . He bent his head in mock obeisance. ‘One week from to-day,” was his significant answer. ‘‘ At- tempt to retract or escape me and your father swings from the scaffold !" He left the room with heavy tread, and siete afterward, down the avenue which led from the house the rumble of car- riage wheels announced his departure. Geraldine stood listening to the echo of his footfall as he passed from the house. As the rattle of wheels fell upon her ear she drew a long breath of relief as though a heavy incubus had been lifted from her heart. She had gained one week of grace—seven days’ respite! ‘comicboo cS (ae)