Thrice Wedded, but Only Once a Wife — page 78: what you’re looking at

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

THRICE WEDDED, 69 “Not seaite so fast, my pretty one. Ihave the proofs here; ~ come nearer to this light and I will explain.” He took some papers from his pocket as he spoke, while she, drawn as if by fascination, came and stood beside him. ‘Robert Ellerton,” he explained, casting a triumphant look upon her, ‘‘was secretly married to my mother long be- fore your hero was born. Isay secretly married, for he be- lieved the ceremony to be only a farce, for he hired a man to marry them whom he thought had no legal authority. But he was mistaken, as these papers prove. My mother was Squire Moulton’s cousin, though until within a few years I had been led to believe that she was his sister. When Eerton wished to marry his other sweetheart, he coolly in- formed my mother that she was not legally his wife, and that he could no longer take care of her; and she, stung to madness, fled from the country. After she had gone, my uncle, who hated Ellerton, discovered that the marriage was legal, and went to seek her and restore her to her rights; but she died at Naples, and Squire Moulton brought me to this country and educated me. I only discovered this a few years ago, and have been waiting until we both had finished our education, that my triumph might be more complete. I am the rightful son and heir of Robert Ellerton; and now it — rests with you whether I assert my claims, and bring shame and disgrace upon one whom you profess to love so deeply, or whether I remain plain Ralph Moulton, with you for my loved and cherished wife. Kixamine these papers, and see if I have not. proof of what I tell you.” He held them up before her as he finished speaking. She read the marriage certificate, with Robert Ellerton and Rose Moulton’s names attached, and her heart sank like lead in her bosom as she realized what suffering and shame it would bring upon her loved one if exposed to the world. She could easily have snatched the paper from him and torn it to fragments had she desired; but her pride would not allow her to let him see and gloat over the pour that racked her soul, and she answered, proudly: “J do not believe the story you have told me!” ‘What! not with this paper to prove it?” he asked, shak- ing the paper he held. ‘““No. It were easy enough to forge it, to serve your base purposes. And were Robert Hllerton to- day a beggar in rags, & and disgraced as you would have me believe, I would gladly Eomicbooks (El 0)