Read Books Online, for Free |
A Lady of Quality | Frances Hodgson Burnett | |
A piteous story is told, and the old cellars walled in |
Page 7 of 7 |
"God's mercy!" Anne breathed, and from behind her hands came stifled sobbing. My Lady Dunstanwolde bent down, her colour dying. "Nay, nay," she said, "there has been no murder done--none! Hush, poor thing, hush thee. There is somewhat I must tell thee." She tried to raise her, but the child would not be raised, and clung to her rich robe, shaking as she knelt gazing upward. "It is a bitter thing," my lady said, and 'twas as if her own eyes were imploring. "God help you bear it--God help us all. He told me nothing of his journey. I knew not he was about to take it; but wheresoever he has travelled, 'twas best that he should go." "Nay! nay!" the girl cried out--"to leave me helpless. Nay! it could not be so. He loved me--loved me--as the great duke loves you!" "He meant you evil," said my lady, shuddering, "and evil he would have done you. He was a villain--a villain who meant to trick you. Had God struck him dead that day, 'twould have been mercy to you. I knew him well." The young thing gave a bitter cry and fell swooning at her feet; and down upon her knees my lady went beside her, loosening her gown, and chafing her poor hands as though they two had been of sister blood. "Call for hartshorn, Anne, and for water," she said; "she will come out of her swooning, poor child, and if she is cared for kindly in time her pain will pass away. God be thanked she knows no pain that cannot pass! I will protect her--ay, that will I, as I will protect all he hath done wrong to and deserted." * * * |
Who's On Your Reading List? Read Classic Books Online for Free at Page by Page Books.TM |
A Lady of Quality Frances Hodgson Burnett |
Home | More Books | About Us | Copyright 2004