The Illegal Marriage — page 77: what you’re looking at

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

THE ILLEGAL MARRIAGE, 69 another. I hope it will not be while her father lives. Speak to her, Trippe. I will see Guerry. Let us delay it for that poor old man’s sake; but when he shall no longer be here to suffer from it, I would give all my wealth to make her happy. “T will tell you what I shalldo, He has nothing. If she—if she loves him—pardon my weakness, Trippe—if she loves him, and marries him, I will give hima deed of my estate in Crawford County, on condition that he settles the Morgan place on her and her children.” Stannard threw himself back into his chair, his face the very picture of suffering despair, with the blue veins standing out like cords. Trippe poured out a glass of brandy for him. “Drink it, Stannard, drink it,” he said, as the - latter made a gesture of refusal; “you are suffer- ing. Stannard, you are the noblest fellow that I ever met.” “Oh, Trippe! don’t talk in that way. I have no one to give money to but her. Louise has married a wealthy man, and why should I not use my wealth to give happiness to the woman that I love?” “Have you ever heard from——” “My wife! You feared to say the words. No; I do not even know that she is alive. Twelve months azo I sent abroad to make inquiries about her, but have not heard as yet. She must have kept her word, and I dare say is now married to another.” “Perhaps——” “Don’t try to give me false hopes, 1 beg you. I could not bear it again. It is too late.” Trippe said no more, but would not give up his hope. He determined to delay the marriage, even (Ele) » comichbooks