Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
"Its Precepts Are Eternal;" Or, The Practice Of A Freemason's Daughter.
V . But during this interval , where is the Fran Pfeffer , and how is she occupied ? That paragon of a silent woman , who has plied her busy needle for three long hours vigorously , assiduously , and continuousl
y , now pauses from her task—and , for a while , seems wrapped in meditation . But the subject of her thoughts is unquestionably pleasant . For anon she drops her work on the polished floor , —rubs her shrivelled hands joyously together , —bursts into a merry laugh , and exclaims— " Trapped !" Again she plies her task in' silence . Another half-hour
glides by ; and the thick-coming visions of the past once more engross her . Those hard , harsh , stolid features are instinct with emotion . She murmurs , — " Yes ! the feeblest may opportunely interpose . There are obligations never to be forgotten ; aye , but faithfully to be repaid . " She wakes up from her reverie ,- — -looks anxiously around her , —another ringing laugh is heard , closed with the expression joyfully uttered— " Trapped I "
VI . Some six-and-thirty hours elapsed ; Maurice during the interval remained at the embassy : that wearied period over , he was formally summoned into his Excellency ' s presence . Lord Sarston received him with a troubled brow .
" I have had a long conference , sir , " he commenced , " with the constituted authorities ; and your case has undergone the most sifting investigation . Why were you not candid with me ? Why have you condescended to any mental reservation ?" " My Lord" returned the young manfirmly" I am
, , , conscious of none ; the entire circumstances have been faithfully laid before you . " " Ah ! " responded his Excellency , with a somewhat incredulous air , " that is a mode of expression easily used ; it is , in fact , a stereotyped phrase with those who appeal to me for aid;— ' the entire circumstances ! ' We shall see ! You
told me , Sir , if I remember rightly , that you belonged to no political society ?" " In making that assertion , my Lord , I submitted to you the truth , —the simple , honest truth , " replied Maurice , with manly and becoming boldness . " You belong to the Masonic Fraternity , " exclaimed the
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
"Its Precepts Are Eternal;" Or, The Practice Of A Freemason's Daughter.
V . But during this interval , where is the Fran Pfeffer , and how is she occupied ? That paragon of a silent woman , who has plied her busy needle for three long hours vigorously , assiduously , and continuousl
y , now pauses from her task—and , for a while , seems wrapped in meditation . But the subject of her thoughts is unquestionably pleasant . For anon she drops her work on the polished floor , —rubs her shrivelled hands joyously together , —bursts into a merry laugh , and exclaims— " Trapped !" Again she plies her task in' silence . Another half-hour
glides by ; and the thick-coming visions of the past once more engross her . Those hard , harsh , stolid features are instinct with emotion . She murmurs , — " Yes ! the feeblest may opportunely interpose . There are obligations never to be forgotten ; aye , but faithfully to be repaid . " She wakes up from her reverie ,- — -looks anxiously around her , —another ringing laugh is heard , closed with the expression joyfully uttered— " Trapped I "
VI . Some six-and-thirty hours elapsed ; Maurice during the interval remained at the embassy : that wearied period over , he was formally summoned into his Excellency ' s presence . Lord Sarston received him with a troubled brow .
" I have had a long conference , sir , " he commenced , " with the constituted authorities ; and your case has undergone the most sifting investigation . Why were you not candid with me ? Why have you condescended to any mental reservation ?" " My Lord" returned the young manfirmly" I am
, , , conscious of none ; the entire circumstances have been faithfully laid before you . " " Ah ! " responded his Excellency , with a somewhat incredulous air , " that is a mode of expression easily used ; it is , in fact , a stereotyped phrase with those who appeal to me for aid;— ' the entire circumstances ! ' We shall see ! You
told me , Sir , if I remember rightly , that you belonged to no political society ?" " In making that assertion , my Lord , I submitted to you the truth , —the simple , honest truth , " replied Maurice , with manly and becoming boldness . " You belong to the Masonic Fraternity , " exclaimed the