Penny Blood Serial Fiction — page 272: what you’re looking at

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

THE INTERVIEW 259 when the sounds of wheels reached their ears. The approach of a vehicle made them all three start up, for they were anxiously expecting either the return of the marquis, or some intelligence from him. They precipitated themselves down the stairs, but Lord Eagledean, rushing forth from the vehicle before they could perceive there was any one else with him whom he had left inside, met them in the hall, and bade them accompany him to a parlour opening thence. ‘““ Now, Adolphus,’ he said, when he had embraced all three one after the other, ‘‘ and you likewise, Elizabeth and Frank, prepare yourselves to behold some one who 1s most dear to you.” “Our mother,” ejaculated Francis, heedless at the mo- ment whether there were any longer the necessity to keep the secret from Adolphus. ‘““ Yes, your mother, my dear boy,’’ responded the marquis, in a voice full of emotion, “‘ and your mother likewise, my dear Adolphus. Yes, I speak truly. Embrace Elizabeth and Frank, for they are indeed your sister and your brother, and your mother is also theirs.’’ | Adolphus gave utterance to a cry of mingled amaze- ment and joy, for without pausing to reflect how this could possibly be, his first feeling was one of ineffable delight to think that Elizabeth, whom he already loved as a sister, was indeed a sister, and Frank, whom he loved as a brother, was indeed a brother. “I go to fetch your mother,” said the marquis, in a hasty whisper to Elizabeth. ‘‘ She longs to press you all three in her arms. During the few moments that I shall be absent you may tell Adolphus who I am— Yes, you may - tell him that I am the Marquis of Eagledean.”’ Having thus spoken, he hastily quitted the room; but little more than a minute elapsed ere he returned again, accompanied by Lady Everton. Then ensued a scene which, for tenderness and excitement, for melting emotions and joyous outpourings alike of words and tears, for fervid embraces, repeated again, and again, and again, for fondest endearments and enthusiastic caresses, has had no parallel in this world. ] Gomicdoo <S (C(O)