A Heart's Bitterness — page 185: what you’re looking at

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

A HEART’S BITTERNESS. | 177 ‘*No, he willnot. Every step of her way can be traced and proved. Kind women have watched over her from the first, and she is now with Adam Moreland’s widowed sister, a retainer of the house of Leigh. Where is Lord Leigh? I must see him at once.” ‘“He came back from searching in Sussex this evening about five. He seemed worried and angry. I begged him — to stay here, saying I hoped for news by midnight, but he went off angry and grumbling. | will try and find him, but doubt if I can. ; In fact, Lord Leigh was not to be found until Sunday about church time, when a messenger from Edna brought him to Lady Burton’s. Hdna was waiting for him alone in a little morning-room. Though Norman Leigh was alarmed, angered, and dis- tressed by the flight of his unloved wife, and thesocial consequences that might ensue, he was yet able to be mastered by the one deep passion of his life, and at the sight of the beautiful Edna, Violet and her dangers were forgotten. Edna looked kindly at him; Edna summoned him; Edna’s voice fell gently on his ears; Edna’s soft, white hand lay in his clasp. In the intoxication of this joy all else was forgotten. He could scarcely restrain himself from falling at her feet, and protesting his undying, his hourly growing adoration. ‘‘Norman,” said Edna, in the eager joy of her heart, ‘*T bring you news of your wife—of our Violet!” Leigh’s face fell. «<T’m glad to hear of her.~ I hope to save a public search. _ Heaven knows what accusations Keith was looking at me! Where is the woman?” ~ Edna coldly withdrew her hand, and stepped back from - him. | ‘Norman Leigh! I will not answer you when you take that tone of her whom you promised to love and cherish. What was your vow at the altar?” Lord Leigh stood morosely dumb. Edna was silent and indignant. Nearly five minutes sped. ce What shall I say?” demanded Leigh, angrily. «¢ Say—where is my wife?” ‘‘ Where is my wife? if you will have it.” ‘She is with Adam Moreland’s sister, in Derbyshire.” comicbooks (eo)