But you are callous, and have
never known any feelings but those of subordination to your old
unnatural master. Alas, I have no cause of offence! I have
wronged you; and justice must take its course. Will you forgive
me before we part?"
Mrs. Logan hesitated, for her mind ran on something else. On
which the other subjoined: "No, you will not forgive me, I see.
But you will pray to God to forgive me? I know you will do that."
Mrs. Logan heard not this jeer, but, looking at the prisoner with
an absent and stupid stare, she said: "Did you know my late
master?"
"Ay, that I did, and never for any good," said she. "I knew the
old and the young spark both, and was by when the latter was
slain."
This careless sentence affected Mrs. Logan in a most peculiar
manner. A shower of tears burst from her eyes ere it was done,
and, when it was, she appeared like one bereaved of her mind.
She first turned one way and then another, as if looking for
something she had dropped. She seemed to think she had lost her
eyes, instead of her tears, and at length, as by instinct, she tottered
close up to the prisoner's face, and, looking wistfully and joyfully
in it, said, with breathless earnestness: "Pray, mistress, what is
your name?"
"My name is Arabella Calvert," said the other.
Pages:
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106