Thrice Wedded, but Only Once a Wife — page 171: what you’re looking at

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

i62 THRICE WEDDED. He stopped spell-bound at sight of the vision before him, and the cloud that had hung on his brow ever since he had parted from little black-eyed Enid Chichester vanished in the presence of his elegant bride-elect. She did not move, for she had not heard nor seen him enter. He passed swiftly to her side, bent upon one knee, and taking her icy band, pressed a passionate kiss upon it. Then she started as if an asp had stung her, and spurned him from her with loathing. Rising, she stood haughtily erect, and fixed her flashing eyes full upon him. He arose also, not in the least disturbed at his reception, and bowing low before her, said in tones of earnest admira- tion: ) ‘My bride, my queen, I am overwhelmed with so much loveliness, and my heart exults with pride over your exquis- ite beauty.” Still he heaved a little sigh as his mind wandered invol- untarily to the fair Enid. : The hour had arrived, the clergyman was waiting, and Ralph offered Dora his arm, saying, imperatively: “Come!” | ci ‘‘Go, and I will follow; but I will not touch you until I am obliged to,” she said, icily. Somewhat crest-fallen he obeyed, turned, and led the way from the room, fellowed by the three sorrowful women. | They passed through several brilliantly lighted corridors, and at length paused before a wide entrance, draped with heavy curtains, before which stood two pages. There was a confused murmur of voices within, as if a large company were assembled, and waiting for the appear- ance of the bridal party. Dora gasped once or twice, but made no other sign to re- veal the struggles of her almost breaking heart. Without a word Ralph stepped to her side, and taking her hand, drew it within his arm; then making a sign to the pages, the curtains were suddenly swept aside, reveal- ing the magnificent and brilliantly lighted drawing-room, into which Robert was conducted on the night of his cap- ture. A murmur of admiration greeted the ears of the party as they thus stood revealed to the company within. (E(0) Eomicbooks \