The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 256: what you’re looking at

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

A SCENE IN THE DARK 239 — ], in believing that you were a young lady of discretion as well as magnanimity, and you in supposing that I am unmindful of my duty alike to you and to myself.’’ “Oh, that we had a light!” exclaimed Laura Linden, sarcastically, ‘‘ so that I might see your countenance flushing with the virtuous indignation that is doubtless now reddening 1b.” ‘But for the explanations? ”’ said Loftus, impetuously. “They will soon be given, so far as I am concerned,” answered Laura. ‘ Anxious and longing as I have been to effect my escape hence, yet that aspiration has now become secondary indeed to another hope which I have conceived, and on the fulfilment of which the former shall even be made to depend. For I am self-willed, Mr. Loftus, yes, self-willed and headstrong as I am petulant and impetu- ous; and therefore you must know, in one word, that I love you, and that if you scorn this love of mine it shall turn to the bitterest hatred.’’ ‘“ Miss Linden,” observed Loftus, coldly indignant, “ you — will provoke me to say things to which I should be sorry to give utterance.”’ “Mr. Loftus, 1f you mean war to the death, then war let it be,’’ cried Miss Linden; ‘‘ but in that case, remember that I shall not hesitate to sacrifice myself in order to be revenged on you. I will therefore confess to the prefect’s servant in the morning all the preparations for escape which have been made — ”’ “Foolish young woman! you will draw down a terrible punishment upon yourself,’’ ejaculated Loitus. “ You will perhaps be moved to another and far more dreadful prison.”’ “ What of all that, so long as I gratify my revenge? ”’ exclaimed Laura. ‘“‘ It is for you to decide whether you will provoke that vengeance,— whether you will continue to scorn, slight, and even insult me, or whether you will consent to gratify this whim I have conceived by becoming my lover for a week, a day, or only an hour, as you may choose. Oh, Mr. Loftus, do not remain thus hard-hearted! Remember that I am beautiful, very beautiful, and the world will know nought of what takes place between us in an hour of yielding tenderness.’ ‘Temptress, who art thou?” exclaimed Jocelyn, now CONNIE DOOlKS (CO)