A Heart's Bitterness — page 242: what you’re looking at

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

934 A HEART’S BITTERNESS. that is so, be sure there is some old story between her and Leigh, and jealousy and revenge are driving her. ‘lhe fact is, there is a strong collusion between three witnesses—the man, the woman, and the grave-digger. ‘The stone-cutter isa slow, honest fellow, and we can get at the bottom of his case, [ have no doubt.” ‘“Did you carry out your effort at bribery with the. woman?” asked Lord Keith, curiously. ‘“‘T’7ll own I did. Isenta man from Scotland Yard, and the woman won't sell out. Hesays she fights for vengeance. She rejected his offers with fury andscorn. ‘They are not to be caught in that trap.” ~ “Tam glad of it. I prefer to win the case by clear open dealing.” Lord Keith returned toward the private parlor where he had left Miss Hope and Kemp. He had-ever a light step, and as he reached the door, he saw that the latch had not caught, and that a single touch of his finger would set it open. Instinctively he laid his fore-finger on the panel, - and to the gentle pressure, the door swung wide. Kemp and Helen were standing in a window, their backs to theroom, and Keith who was quick of hearing, heard Kemp say: : “Helen, consider! For myself I fear nothing, but for youl fearall. I will promise you anything, everything if you will agree to drop all this and come with me.” “You promised me vengeance, and I will have that or nothing,” said Helen, turning to him with fury. ‘* But consider what he said. Can you, in your prond aepaee be placed at the prisoner’s bar, transported like a elon?” . ‘“<Tt will never happen if you do not cowardly fail me.” ‘“Tt is not fear for myself ” began Kemp. ‘¢ And I, at all risk, resolve to follow———” Helen turned. | _and saw Lord Keith in the door-way. She paled. _ ‘Are you listening, Sir Peer!” she cried, with fury. ‘‘A lordly act, truly! Well, now, you understand me. This case 1s no made case, it isno fiction, but it was not simple _ frankness and desire of honest justice that induced us to go to Lord Leigh—called Hartington. No! for me, it waslove of vengeance. I thirst for vengeance as a tiger thirsts for blood! I have vowed it, and I will have it! I havesold my soul to obtain vengeance, and am | going back at a word? I * | | Eomicbooks.co