A Heart's Bitterness — page 246: what you’re looking at

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

ate A HEART'S BITTERNESS. 7? im 4 me ‘Tt is all affectlon. I attacked you for love’s sake.” ‘<A strange way, truly, to show love.” ‘‘Tt was to force you to me, since you would not come otherwise. Listen to me, Norman.” She knelt down beside him, laid her head against the arm of his chair, and looked into his face. ‘How worn and thin you look You have been ill, and it is all my fault. And yet I cannot repent of it, for I would far rather you should die than live far from me, with others, hating me.” ‘* Helen, do you call that love?” . ‘Listen. J meant, if I heard of your death, to fling myself into the Thames.” ‘<T wish you had had the provocation, then. It would be better for both of us.” ~ €* But, you see, we both live. Let us be happy. You will get strong and happy if you come with me. Anis, we will go to Switzerland, or North Italy, and I will nurse you back to strength. I will be your friend, your nurse, your enter- tainer, your slave. Try, me, Norman.” ‘‘As a reward for ruin? <A payment for your malice?” ‘Norman, I, only I, can break down the evidence that _ destroys your title. In my fury, I sought revenge, but— oh, the price I must pay for it! That monster, Kemp, wishes to marry me. I shiver at the very sound of his voice. And yet J promised to marry him if he would avenge me — onyou. ButIcan destroy him and his case. I will do it for your sake, Norman.” — ““ What! prove me the Karl of Leigh?” ¢ Yes,” ‘<’CThen this case against my title is an infamous fabrica- ee tion?” ‘‘ But can never be shown to be such unless I show it.” -*©Do so, and earn your reward, dear Helen.” €¢ . I 1 ; 66 “TY cannot trust you,” said Helen, weeping. T adore teach you how to break down the case. I will not give you 2 this knowledge until before all the world you have commit- ted yourself to me.” «© And if I refuse?” _. The case goes on; Hartington is Lord of Leigh.” — ~ Oonsider, I have a wife and child.” \ a you, but I do not believe you. Come with me. Let us go together to the Continent, and in six weeks’ time I will (e(@) Eomicboo