Witch Hazel; or, The Secret of the Locket — page 172: what you’re looking at

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

ing immediately to her side. ‘Shall I order the car- riage now ¥” “Yes.” she told him, and in ten minutes it was ready for her. He gave her his arm aud conducted her to it.and saw that she was comfortably seated, then assisted Belle and Hazel to enter. The other members of the party had ridden and their horses were being brought forward for them to mount. Helena had followed the duchess to her carriage, and stood beside it while Lord Nelson arranged the robes about its occupants. She wore a perfectly fit- ting habit of dark blue cloth, a tall crowned hat, and long Suede gauntlets. She looked very handsome, and her fine figure had never shown to better advan- tage. . Tn her left hand, which hung earelessly behind her, she earried her riding-whip which had a costly and beautifully carved handle of ivory. Just as the carriage was about te start she stepped back, and in doing so her foot became entangled in the long skirt of her habit, she lost her balance and with a low cry of fear, she fell to the ground. That low cry changed to a shriek of agony before she touched it. Lord Nelson sprang forward and lifted her instantly, and beneath her the beautiful riding- whip lay broken, while one ef the ragged ends of the fractured handle was stained with blood. “You are hurt,” said the young lord, regarding her anxiously. A little, I think—my arm pains me,” she said with white lips, but trying to smile; then she swayed diz- zily and seemed about to faint. ‘ a sprang from the carriage with claination.