The Illegal Marriage — page 101: what you’re looking at

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

THE ILLEGAL MARRIAGE. 93 matter, but quickened his steps, and soon came to the line of garden fence. Along this he walked toa sheltered spot near the front gate. For some time he stood behind the shrubbery, peering through at the windows, which yet showed no light within—drawing in, with every breath, the strong odor of magnolia blossoms, and the still stronger perfumes, in this heavy evening air, that came from the pride of India trees. A step on the porch made him forget all this. Pushing aside the dense altheas before him, Alfred saw Cecy come from the hall, and walk slowly to the end of the veranda. Very quietly she stood, her hands resting upon the rail, looking wistfully out into the depths of the evening sky. He would have gazed long upon this beautiful picture, but a storm was approaching, and time was precious to him. Presently, he softly called her name. 66 Cecy.” Though scarcely above a whisper, she started at the sound, and, with parted lips and partially raised hand, she turned her head on one side and listened intently. Again he spoke; and, conscious now that she was not dreaming, Cecy turned toward him. She was too much terrified to feel glad that he was near, although she had been thinking of him but a mo- ment before. Casting a furtive glance toward the hall, she carelessly walked down the steps, and, looking at her flower-beds on either side, sauntered up to the fence. She was greatly excited. “Oh, Alfred! why are you here?” « Are you not glad to see me, Cecy?” Comicboo cS (Elo)