A Heart's Bitterness — page 28: what you’re looking at

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

20 A HEART'S BITTERNESS. <¢ Tf that mistake does not include a living wife for him, or husband for you, to invalidate this morning’s vow, then only a tedious, and terrible, a disgraceful divorce sult, Violet, can break the tie you haye voluntarily assumed.” ‘©Oh, why did I not take your advice? Why cannot I die? Oh, I wish—I wish,” burst out Violet, wildly. ‘‘Hush, my child. I only advised a little waiting. I know nothing against Lord Leigh. I believe he will bea good husband to you——” ‘‘He shall not be my husband!” shrieked Violet. ‘‘ I will not have him. My uncle shall keep me from him—my friends shall protect me.” “My darling, you are his wife; nothing can undo that. Only the highest court can divide you two, and that only for such cause as I know cannot be shown. Violet, what- ever has changed your wish and hope, trample it under your feet, and be true to your wifely vow.” ‘«‘ Lady Burton,” said Violet, ‘‘I have heard you were not happy in your first marriage.” ‘‘T married, as you have, very young, and I was very, very unhappy.” «« And how long did it last?” For seven years God enabled me to bear my sorrows, 1n quiet and in faithfulness, till He sent release.” ‘©And my mother, too, was an unhappy wife?” ‘‘She was; but a dutiful and honorable wife, for twelve years.” ‘* And women endure such things—such horrible heart bitterness, for so long, solong. Oh, it is cruel!” “Violet, when all is lost except honor and doing duty, then the good woman lives for duty and honor.” ‘‘ Lady Burton—ZJ hate him!” “* Violet, cease such rash, wicked words.” ‘‘And I shall go on detesting him, forever ‘Violet, in your mother’s name, I command you to act as becomes an honorable woman. Whatever new light may have fallen on your marriage, or on Lord Leigh, remember 199 - you freely accepted him; in a public manner you have pledged your faith; the credit of the Ainslies, the Montres- sors, and the Leighs is in your keeping—hard or not, as your fate may be, all that remains for you is to meet it asa loyal, self-respecting woman. Banish such thoughts, bury such words as you have spoken tome. Do not give the Gomicbooks:. co m