The Illegal Marriage — page 251: what you’re looking at

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

THE ILLEGAL MARRIAGE, 243 “T doubt it. Well, V’ll see my old friend here — cared for, and we’ll start for home in the morning.” “But will you be able to go so soon?” “Oh, yes; no doubt of that—I feel—a pair of arms round my neck,” Trippe concluded, laughingly, as he took the hands of his wife in his own. She had stolen in while he was talking, and came to the back of his chair. “They have sent for you, colonel, the carriage has come for you.” “Have they?” said Stannard, catching up his hat; and in a moment he was down the stairs. “Just see, Cecy,” said Mrs. Bond, as Stannard was shown into the room; “just see what it is to depend onaman. Why are you so late, sir?” “The time slipped away before I knew it. Indeed I am sorry that I have detained you.” “Weare going to stop on the way,” said Cecy, quickly, “so it will make no difference.” : “Yes, we cannot go on to-night—besides, Cecy wishes to go home in the morning for some things, © and for her maid. I wonder you did not bring her, Cecy!” | | “T did not want to subject her to life in a jail—I had no idea what it was. I thought they kept people in dark cells.” “All prisoners do not fare in this way, I can assure you of that,” said Mrs. Bond. “T know it. Iam indebted to Colonel Stannard for all this.” He felt his face burning as he heard her praise, and, wishing to change the subject, asked where they intended to spend the night. “T have not the remotest idea,” said Mrs. Bond, “where we shall stay?” “You had better go on to my house, it is entirely empty now. Aunt Emmy will take care of you.” Mrs. Bond approved of the plan. but Cecy did not speak. She found herself lost in gazing on his face, and when her eyes met his, her own face crimsoned with confusion. The look made his heart beat hot and fast, and had they been alone, he Eomichbooks:c¢o