The Illegal Marriage — page 206: what you’re looking at

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198 THE ILLEGAL MARRIAGE. The thought did not occupy his mind a second, and he answered her question promptly. “Miss Morgan, he has been arrested for forgery.” “Hor what?” she cried, standing lke a statue be- fore them. “What is it that he has done?” “He obtained two thousand dollars by forging an order on Colonel Stannard’s merchants.” “Cecy, do not give ita thought, he shall not be injured by it. I will not—I promise you, under no consideration will I appear against him on this charge. The money was mine. I would give him ten times the sum rather than do him harm.” Again Crawford saw the loving light in her eyes, as she gazed fondly upon Stannard’s sad but earnest face, and thanked fortune that she had been turned entirely from her former imprudent fancy. Strange that Stannard could not see it also. With tears in her eyes, Cecy rushed forward and grasped his hand in both her own. “Thanks! Ten thousand thanks, my noble, gen- erous friend. Do not ruin his life for that. Let me share the loss with you, William, and let him go.” “Cecy, I shall not trouble him about it. The loss ) “3 nothing. I will forbid any proceedings against Ea “Tsit known? Will it be made public? Oh, Mr. Crawford, do not think me unmaidenly—I have a deeper interest in him than you may suppose. Though he deserted me, I would not have any harm come to him.” “Deserted you?” said Stannard, almost breath- ess. “Yes,” she responded, quickly; “I must wear the willow; but can we not save him from public gossip?” “We cannot, Miss Morgan,” said Crawford; “it is impossible now.” “Then, William, my good friend, I want to borrow some money from you—will you aid me?” Stannard started as he heard this, and looked into Crawford’s eyes. The look did not escape Cecy. “You do not understand me,” she said, with a deep blush; “you think——” GEomichbooks.co