Thrice Lost, Thrice Won — page 250: what you’re looking at

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

.. . ' Re ve e maces ~ bee on yee: cioatoet villain on earth to you ?” “My husband,” her hand slipped into his, and held it sees: 4 “when I cease to love you I shall be dead. ” - He drew her to him, and kissed the pale face he could. page see—his heart too full at the moment for words. — “Tt was hard to have to write that letter, ” she whispered ; - darling! !” clasping him close, “say you forgive me for what BE have done!” “T forgive you—you-who have done no wrong? You mock “me, Estelia! The only thing [ find it hard to forgive is your . long silence. Why could you not be mereiful and speak be- _ fore, Essie 2?” She sighed drearily. Fy hig Oh was so worn out, so heartsick, all faith, and trust, and ~ you did not love me. You had no faith in me, no love for me; you sought me from a hard sense of duty, and—I could not go. Don’t let us speak of it—don’t let us speak of the Seceget could not bear it. Yet it is very good of you to come here; but you must not come again. Let me go my own way—I will never interfere with you more—and try to he. happy with your art. Go back to Italy—I know you have Tee there—and try to forget the great mistake of your life 2 2 your marriage with me.” ‘She disengaged herself from him, and half sat up, speak- See Grmols, steadily. For one second of time the arch-tempter 2 _ whispered, “Take her at her word—your life linked to her a will be that of the galley-slave, a burden to both.” But it was only for a second. “Never,” he said, steadily, “so help me Heaven! “My wife 7) shall go with me wherever I go—never on earth to part again! Oh, Estella, I. have been a wretch, a scoundrel, in 1€ Oia. but with all my might I will strive to atone now. I et me redeem that miserable past—let me devote my whole ‘uture life to you. Forgive and forget what is gone, my ten- der-hearted little Essie, and all that the most devoted hus- “t band ever was to his wife I will strive to be to you.” _ There was 4 little pause, then eS Will you promise to love me?” she asked, softly. Ae promise. I haven’t—I don’t—but I will! Who could he alp Toving—in time—a wife so sweet, so patient, so long- wu uffering, so true ?”’ i Sates Mrs. Rutherford,” cs ag said, abruptly ; “is she Lite e fo orgotten ! net 4 uite—long and many a year azo. When I lost you, © ease to ts for her.” . , “the Past Redeemed. ce was — “but I could not let you commit that crime, Alwyn. Oh, my hope, dead! I could not have undergone it again. “And— ed Sra <3 a, ge is | (@ (E(@) 250 Noa fe ies rs ye ee . a : - ae eo) KS)