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Article THE MASON'S DAUGHTER. * ← Page 6 of 10 →
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The Mason's Daughter. *
at which lie then was stationed . This event , he thought , might turn the chances in his favour . It was at this period that the altercation before alluded to took place between Captains Manvers and Johnson , and , as had been prognosticated , ended in a duel , which took place the morning after the dispute . Manvers , conscious that his manner had been harsh and offensive , while Johnson couldfrom his ignorance of any t between
, engagemen himself and Louisa , have had no offensive intention , fired in the air ; Johnson ' s ball lodged in Manvers' arm . The cause of this duel was kept a profound secret in the regiment , partly because it was a point of honour not to divulge it , and also because it was well known that Manvers would have again taken up the matter had it been published ; and it was with reason doubted if a second adversary would be permitted to profit b y his forbearance , for his aim was a sure one .
Manvers' wound was not dangerous , though painful , and he soon recovered sufficiently to be able to pursue his walks and visits . To the father , a vague excuse for the duel he had fought sufficed ; but to Louisa , on a fitting opportunity , he opened his heart , told her what had occurred , and , with some exaggeration , averred that in her cause , and for her good name , he had fought and had been wounded . She had for some time since the occurrence of this event been harassed and lexed with
perp fears and agony at what might be the issue of this—to her—horrid event ; and , but that maiden modesty forbid , willingly would she have rushed to the couch of her lover , and tended on him during his sickness . To see him thus recovered , but still pale and interesting ; to hear him thus enthusiastically expressing renewed assurances of a devotion ,
which he had proved in the combat , were all too much for her woman ' s heart . She yielded to the combination of circumstances , and confessed herself ready to yield to Manvers' wishes for a private marriage . As opposition to this step on the part of Louisa ' s father was anticipated , it was agreed that he should not be made aware of what was intended . It was arranged that there should be but one more interview between the lovers before the flight should be accomplished , and it was to take
place on a night specified , when Louisa knew her father would be away from home . On that night , Manvers engaged to give her full particulars of the time and manner of the intended elopement , which was to be carried into effect the following evening . The evening for the development of the details arrived , and Manvers , faithful to his appointment , went to the house of her whom he was so soon about to make his bride . The servant admitted without scruple the accustomed visitor , who , on finding b
y inquiry that the master of the house was not at home , desired to see the young mistress . It required all Manvers' tact and persuasion to keep up his mistress ' s spirits , and to support her courage . The thoughts of the ingratitude she was about to show to her ever kind parent smote her —but the thought of a speedy reunion to him after her marriage comforted her . On the table by which Louisa sat was a small box ; it was unlockedand Manverswhile leaning over the tableunconsciousl
, , , y lifted up the lid , and saw the contents . A sudden paleness came over his features , and he gasped for breath . Louisa was dreadfully alarmed , and earnestl y entreated to be informed what had caused the pang . Manvers , in some confusion , attributed it to his recent wound , and strove to recover himself , though he failed in regaining his usual self-possession . In a tone , as near approaching to indifference as he could assume , he asked to whom that box and its contents belonged . Louisa assured him
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Mason's Daughter. *
at which lie then was stationed . This event , he thought , might turn the chances in his favour . It was at this period that the altercation before alluded to took place between Captains Manvers and Johnson , and , as had been prognosticated , ended in a duel , which took place the morning after the dispute . Manvers , conscious that his manner had been harsh and offensive , while Johnson couldfrom his ignorance of any t between
, engagemen himself and Louisa , have had no offensive intention , fired in the air ; Johnson ' s ball lodged in Manvers' arm . The cause of this duel was kept a profound secret in the regiment , partly because it was a point of honour not to divulge it , and also because it was well known that Manvers would have again taken up the matter had it been published ; and it was with reason doubted if a second adversary would be permitted to profit b y his forbearance , for his aim was a sure one .
Manvers' wound was not dangerous , though painful , and he soon recovered sufficiently to be able to pursue his walks and visits . To the father , a vague excuse for the duel he had fought sufficed ; but to Louisa , on a fitting opportunity , he opened his heart , told her what had occurred , and , with some exaggeration , averred that in her cause , and for her good name , he had fought and had been wounded . She had for some time since the occurrence of this event been harassed and lexed with
perp fears and agony at what might be the issue of this—to her—horrid event ; and , but that maiden modesty forbid , willingly would she have rushed to the couch of her lover , and tended on him during his sickness . To see him thus recovered , but still pale and interesting ; to hear him thus enthusiastically expressing renewed assurances of a devotion ,
which he had proved in the combat , were all too much for her woman ' s heart . She yielded to the combination of circumstances , and confessed herself ready to yield to Manvers' wishes for a private marriage . As opposition to this step on the part of Louisa ' s father was anticipated , it was agreed that he should not be made aware of what was intended . It was arranged that there should be but one more interview between the lovers before the flight should be accomplished , and it was to take
place on a night specified , when Louisa knew her father would be away from home . On that night , Manvers engaged to give her full particulars of the time and manner of the intended elopement , which was to be carried into effect the following evening . The evening for the development of the details arrived , and Manvers , faithful to his appointment , went to the house of her whom he was so soon about to make his bride . The servant admitted without scruple the accustomed visitor , who , on finding b
y inquiry that the master of the house was not at home , desired to see the young mistress . It required all Manvers' tact and persuasion to keep up his mistress ' s spirits , and to support her courage . The thoughts of the ingratitude she was about to show to her ever kind parent smote her —but the thought of a speedy reunion to him after her marriage comforted her . On the table by which Louisa sat was a small box ; it was unlockedand Manverswhile leaning over the tableunconsciousl
, , , y lifted up the lid , and saw the contents . A sudden paleness came over his features , and he gasped for breath . Louisa was dreadfully alarmed , and earnestl y entreated to be informed what had caused the pang . Manvers , in some confusion , attributed it to his recent wound , and strove to recover himself , though he failed in regaining his usual self-possession . In a tone , as near approaching to indifference as he could assume , he asked to whom that box and its contents belonged . Louisa assured him