The Illegal Marriage — page 150: what you’re looking at

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

142 THE ILLEGAL MARRIAGE, looking brighter than at any time since that fatal ~ night. It was with no little difficulty that Pierce got her promise to ask no questions, but she gave it at last; and he left her feeling that she would scarcely need his services after that day. For the next three days Cecy improved rapidly, and was able to walk about her room. Sitting at the window, looking out upon her neglected garden, she tried to recall the events of the past month. That her father was dead she knew now, and was waiting anxiously for the doctor to remove his pro- hibition, so that she could ask a thousand things that perplexed her. Stannard spent the greater part of his time at the castle, and proved a true friend to Cecy; but he dreaded the time when he should be forced to break the dreadful news to her. At length the day came when she was well enough to travel, and Raborn grew pressing. Stan- nard found her sitting by the window, with her cheek upon her hand. Her first inquiry was _ for Alfred Guerry. “He is in Macon, Cecy. I have just received a letter from him. He wants to come to you, he Says.” “Poor fellow! I know he does. Tell him—tell him from me that I hope to see him soon; but say that it is best to wait a little.” Stannard had not told her what Guerry had written to him of illness, but promised to give him her message. “T hope he will come down to-morrow—I am look- ing for him.” She had been told that Doctor Trippe was ill, and. now inquired cordially for him. “JY must tell her,” Stannard thought, “but how can I begin.” “Cecy, my friend,” he said, aloud, “you must trust me in this, your sorrow—let me be a brother to you.” _ Alook of pain swept across her face, but soon passed away. | ; GComicboo €O S