Octavia's Pride; or, The Missing Witness — page 167: what you’re looking at

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

OCTAVIA’S PRIDE | ee sy, nel, and there the slender forefinger had stopped, and the winsome young face gloomed over with melancholy, and a heavy, heavy sigh proclaimed the inward disquiet which was so sore a burden to that youthful breast. Jane West, with those grave, calm eyes of hers, had read more deeply than the others. | «‘ Will,” said she, “‘I almost believe you dread reaching Hngland as much as Ido.” ““As you! J never suspected you were afraid of the arrival,” answered he. ‘Not afraid,” she returned; ‘‘but I dread to have it come. I shall be sorry to lose this pleasant family life and to drift out alone upon the world, as seems to be my fate. Besides, I have an exceedingly unpleasant duty waiting for me there.” Will Yarrel caught at one word. «< Alone!” said he. ‘‘ Are you also alone in the world 2” «Quite alone; unless I am able to make new friends.” “<I should never have thought it; you seem so cheerful, and strong, and self-reliant.” And here the youth sighed again. Jane leaned forward, her eyes shining, a rich color flush- ing the grave face into positive beauty. “Child,” said she, ‘‘something draws me to you. ‘I'here is one secret of yours that I have already guessed. Do not start, nor blush. It is sacred with me, and I need no assurance from you that cruel circumstances pressed you to it. et me tell you my story; and then, if you choose— only if you choose, dear child—show me all that is in your own heart.” Will Yarrel concealed his face with his clasped hands, but the tears of mingled shame and grief stole through the slender fingers. In a low, grave voice, Jane related her history. She con- eo vComicbooks., ne TP TEL Pe ae”... | ‘ ; : Sis ri : ; mL” wae mi ( fh] (eee A om re a. . . | - Pa y . a